







































































































































































. 




























Lieut. J. M. Favill. 
57th N. Y. Infantry. 



THE DIARY 
OF A YOUNG OFFICER 



SERVING WITH THE ARMIES OF THE UNITED 

STATES DURING THE WAR OF 

THE REBELLION 



BY 

JOSIAH MARSHALL FAVILL 

A Zl™u^ F s: N Tr BREVET Major 57TH New York a™». 

«revet Lieutenant-Colonel, and Colonel U. S. Volunteers. 




CHICAGO 

R. R. DONNELLEY & SONS COMPANY 

1909 









Copyrighted, iijog 

BY 

JOSIAH MARSHALL FAV1LL 







/ 



THE DIARY 
OF A YOUNG OFFICER 



2DrDicattom 

TO THE MEMORY OF MY BELOVED WIFE, 

AMELIA WARING FAVILL 

THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED 



PREFACE 

The publication of this diary is due to the solicitations of 
one, alas ! no longer with us, who took much pleasure in read- 
ing the original manuscript, and frequently urged the publica- 
tion of it in book form for the pleasure of those who 
participated in the movements described. 

Anything that is authentic and comes to us in its original 
form pertaining to the great drama of the Civil War is still 
of interest to a very considerable number of those who love 
their country and delight in heroic deeds ; and these pages, 
simple though they be, and relating generally to matters 
within a narrow compass, may be therefore of interest to others 
than the participators in the stirring scenes described. The 
diary is, in truth, what it purports to be, with only trifling 
changes, mostly of omission, the daily record of active cam- 
paigning recorded at the time by one who was himself an 
active participator in the great struggle for the preservation 
of the Union, 1861-65, m the ranks of that mighty host which 
fought and died for the life of our beloved country. The opin- 
ions expressed are those of that time and are perhaps of no 
importance, but are allowed to stand as curiosities of the 
times. From my own knowledge of the making of history 
in official reports, I can affirm that something in the interest 
of truth may be found in these pages that may perhaps in the 
future be worthy the notice of the dignified historian. Many 
official reports are decorated with after thoughts, and some 
of them made to show things as they should have been, and 
not as they were. One official report, that of General S. K. 
Zook, covering the operations of the Chancellorsville cam- 
paign, is supplied, that is missing in the great " Records of the 

7 



8 PREFACE 

Rebellion." I have recently had the honor of furnishing tr 
original report to the War Department to complete its recorc 
The social side of the army in the field, described in son 
detail, I think will be of interest, and our relations with i 
luckless women and children of the Confederacy shows that \ 
were not the monsters that many in the South have delight 
to paint us, but that we performed a stern duty with the lea 
possible offense. 

Covering most of the campaigns of the Fifty-Seventh Ne 
York Infantry and the gallant old Third Brigade of the Fir 
Division, Second Corps, it will, I hope, be of sufficient i 
terest to beguile a pleasant hour of some of my old comrade 
and perhaps of their boys and girls. 
December, 1908. 



INTRODUCTION 

This book tells of arms and of men. Its Homeric touch 
is the more obvious because the tale which commences with 
the call to arms in New York City is centered in a small 
space, that is in Northern Virginia, though the story twice 
crosses the narrow bounds of Maryland and touches the free 
soil of Pennsylvania. 

The story is no patchwork of personal recollections of the 
author, eked out by those of others, and made to fit the 
limbs of history by piecing and adaptation from pages al- 
ready printed. It is a narrative set down nightly after the 
day's march or the day's fight, telling of the marching, the 
fighting, and the catches of the breath between; of the first 
great gathering of raw levies of the Northern States; and 
then of that great historical Army of the Potomac, during 
the War of the Rebellion, with these great masses of men as 
a private in the ranks ; of the three months' service, and then 
for years as an officer generally holding a staff appointment, 
the young narrator marched and fought. The author speaks 
too modestly of what he did and wrote as being that of a 
mere youth, but as the immortal war song of the Germans 
sings, it is the devotion of the strong and pious youth that 
will save the country from disaster. 

" Dear Fatherland, no danger thine, 
Firm stand thy sons 
To watch, to watch the Rhine." 

There is a glamour which scintillates o'er casque and 
shield, over lance and bow, in the conflicts of far away cen- 
turies, but none are so important to us as the titanic struggle 
of our own time, in which our young countryman rode through 
fire and death over bloody fields. Though far be it from me 

9 



io INTRODUCTION 

to bespeak attention to him as other than one of many com 
petent and brave officers, who made the noble army of th< 
Republic the great instrument it was, he was most certainl; 
of that moiety of the marching army, which as Genera 
McClellan describes, "always kept with the colors," for as thi 
General so well says in his memoirs, "when an army start 
upon a campaign it resolves itself speedily into two parts, om 
that means to keep out of harm's way if possible, and the othe: 
that always keeps with the colors." 

I think I shall not be saying too much of my old friend i 
I add that I believe that all who read this narrative will b< 
glad that he has been preserved to finally give us this orig 
inal story of the greatest army of the big war. 

To some, even after the lapse of so many years fron 
those of the desperate struggle which it describes, it will brin^ 
tears, for many a hero passes as we read, on and then off" th< 
stage, while the lithe soldier who tells the tale, rides an( 
fights on to the heaven-blest ending of the bloody war. 

Sidney V. Lowell. 



THE DIARY 
OF A YOUNG OFFICER 



CHAPTER I 



" Lay down the ax ; fling by the spade ; 
Leave in its tracks the toiling plow; 
The rifle and the bayonet blade 
For arms like yours were fitter now." 

T JOIN THE SEVENTY-FIRST REGIMENT, N. Y. S. M., AS A VOLUN- 
TEER AND GO TO WAR 



I 



HAVE actually joined the army and am going to the war 

as a high private in Company C of the Seventy-first New 

York Regiment, commanded by Captain Coles. 

The regiment has been accepted for three months' service 

by the general government, and is to start for the front on 

Sunday next, April 21, 1861. 

It was not so easy to join this regiment, as the armory 

was crowded with men, mostly fine young fellows, all crazy 

to be enrolled. Finding myself getting left, I went up to the 

Captain, who sat near by, and asked him if he would not make 

a point to squeeze me in. I told him I was very anxious to go, 

he^ and gave him an account of my acquirements in the military 

Jiar line, which I urged might be of service to him. After some 

lot questions and agreeable chatting, he directed the clerk to take 

down my name, saying some one would be certain to back 

arm* out at the last moment, and there would be room enough for 

Jowe, ah 1 who really wanted to go. 

a un I left the armory rejoiced to find myself a real soldier, and 

trousei cou ld hardly realize that in less than a week's time I should be 

cuffs, Reaving home and marching to the front. I have always 

dreamed of a soldier's life as an ideal one, and have been 

enthusiastic on all things military since I was old enough to 

read. Charles O'Malley, Tom Burke of Ours, and the Three 

11 



i2 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

Musketeers are mainly responsible for it, I think, but how- 
ever that may be, I have learned to drill, to ience, to ride, and 
to shoot, and devour every kind of military history that comes 
in my way. During the Crimean War I was absorbed in the 
details of the siege of Sebastopol, and sought everywhere for 
anything published relating to it. I followed the British troops 
at the Alma Balaclava and Inkerman with breathless excite- 
ment, and at the storming of the great redan became satisfied 
that a soldier's career was the only honorable and satisfactory 
one to follow. But alas, in our own country there were 
no wars, nor any likelihood of there being any. and the sit- 
uation seemed hopeless from every point of view, but now 
most unexpectedly the opportunity presents itself, and I have 
done what I could to enter the service promptly. True, it 
is not much to be a private soldier, and I have always looked 
at war through the commissioned ranks, but in this partic- 
ular case it will not make so much difference, as men in all 
conditions of life, rich men, scholars, professional men. and 
young fellows from college and school are all anxious to go 
as privates, so I shall trust to luck to gain promotion by at- 
tention to duty and by my knowledge of military affairs. 

The Seventy-first is a swell city regiment, called the 
American Guard, none but native Americans ordinarily being 
enlisted, and in its ranks are many very rich men, several of 
them taking private servants along. The Colonel, Vosburg, is 
a distinguished military man, and no doubt the regiment will 
make itself an enviable reputation. 

There is no necessity for me here to say anything about 
the cause of the war, as everybody knows the South desired 
to extend their pet institution, Slavery, into the new states and 
territories. This the people of the North will not consent to, 
as they are bitterly opposed to the institution, and determined 
to keep it within its present limits. In order to facilitate 
their plans, the South have jealously maintained the upper 
hand in the general government, and being thoroughly united, 
have up to this time succeeded in keeping the reins in their 
own hands, but at last they have lost control, as they judge 
by the election of Mr. Lincoln ; and rather than submit to the 
will of the majority when it does not suit them ,they propose 
to disrupt the Union, destroy the country, and set up for 
themselves with the few slave-holding states. Of course if 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 13 

these states are allowed to go, the remainder may be divided 
and subdivided again, which means an utter disintegration of 
the federal government. 

These reckless Southerners commenced operations by bom- 
barding Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor, on the nth of 
April, and capturing it, and they are now busily at work 
throughout all their states raising, equipping, and drilling a 
military force, with the avowed object of restraining the 
federal authorities from any control of their affairs. 

What an excitement we have all been in since these people 
fired on Fort Sumter! Every one is anxious to do his utmost 
and determined to raise a force strong enough to go down 
there and thrash the conceit out of the rascals. The feeling 
runs mountains high, and thousands of men are offering their 
services where hundreds only are required. These hot-headed 
rebels will surely find themselves more than accommodated in 
the matter of fighting, and will before long bitterly repent 
their foolish actions. We are more numerous and have more 
money, have command of the sea, and have besides just as 
much courage and pluck as they. 

On the 15th of April President Lincoln called for 75,000 
volunteers to serve for three months, and the militia regiments 
of the various Northern states are offering themselves, filled 
to the maximum by the enlistment of new members. As soon 
as they are properly armed and equipped they will rendezvous 
in Washington to protect the capital at first, and subsequently 
march into the rebellious states and give the rebels a sound 
thrashing. There is no reasonable doubt that a great battle 
will have to be fought, and therefore we shall have an oppor- 
unity to see what actual war really is. Nobody dreams of fear, 
but it is a great pity these Southern people do not appreciate 
the earnestness and power of the North ; if they did, surely 
hey would not court certain disaster ; however, this is to be a 
liary, continued throughout the campaign, and therefore must 
lot be too prolix. 

Tuesday, April 16th. To-morrow we are to meet at the 
armory, fall in, and march in a body to Develin's clothing store, 
lower Broadway, there to be measured, each and all of us. for 
a uniform suit, to consist of dark blue jacket and sky-blue 
trousers. The jacket will have light blue shoulder-straps and 
cuffs, and will be made as quickly as possible, and forwarded 



i 4 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

to us wherever we may be. It is a thousand pities we cannot 
have them by Sunday, there will be such an enormous crowd 
to see us off, and in our every-day rig we shall look anything 
but soldierly. 

Saturday night, April 20th. To-morrow we start for the 
war. Since Wednesday I have been receiving the utmost 
attention from everybody. It is so strange to see this wonder- 
ful enthusiasm and loyalty. It is impossible for a man in 
uniform to pay for anything he wants ; wherever I go all want 
to do something for me ; in crossing the ferries men filled 
my pockets with cigars, and even insisted upon my taking 
money from them, and when I refused, actually forced it into 
my pockets ; they must do something, and look upon us, I 
suppose, as their representatives. There is no end to their 
generosity and enthusiasm, which is well for the republic. 

I attended a great reception given in my honor at the E- 
Hotel to-night, which proved a magnificent affair. Everybody 
that I knew, almost, was there, and fun and frolic with songs, 
music, and speeches, continued until the clock struck twelve. 
There were amongst the young fellows a number belonging to 
a glee club, who sang patriotic and pathetic war-songs in- 
numerable, and contributed immensely to the enjoyment of the 
evening. When we broke up, and our last good-byes were 
spoken, every man grasped me by the hand, many of them 
kissed me, and all united in wishing me good luck and a safe 
return. After taking an affectionate farewell of one who was 
more to me than all others, I hastened from the room amidst 
the cries of "God bless you" ; "Take care of yourself" ; "Be 
sure and thrash the rascals," etc. 

It was very hard to part when the time actually came, beingj 
my first experience, and I must admit feeling decidedly unwar-c 
like and very desolate. However, I went home, turned into 
my comfortable bed, wondering what sort of beds we should: 
probably have in the army. 



CHAPTER II 

" All the Gods go with you ; upon your sword 
Sit laurel victory, and smooth success 
Bestrewed before your feet." 

WE MARCH DOWN BROADWAY AND EMBARK ON BOARD THE 
STEAMSHIP R. R. CUYLER, BOUND FOR THE SEAT OF WAR 

I LEFT home at 7 a. m., satchel in hand, crossed the ferry, 
and soon arrived at the armory. It was already filled with 
men of the regiment receiving their arms and equipments. 
We were furnished with a Springfield musket, bayonet, cart- 
ridge-box, cap-pouch, haversack, and blanket. Our new uni- 
form were not ready, and so the greater part of the regiment ap- 
peared in every-day clothes and hats. Every company had a 
few regularly equipped men, however, so that we had some 
little military appearance. The greatest difficulty was an 
absence of knapsacks, which necessitated carrying valises, a 
very awkward arrangement, giving us more the appearance of 
a lot of emigrants than a regiment of soldiers. 

About two hours after I joined every man had been fur- 
nished with all there was for him, and we were standing for 
the first time shoulder to shoulder in the ranks. The roll was 
called, and all present mustered into the state's service. Imme- 
diately afterwards we marched downstairs into Bond Street, 
wheeled into column by platoons, and marched into and then 
down Broadway to Cortlandt Street, thence to pier 4, North 
River, where we embarked on board the steamship R. R. Cuyler. 

On reaching the street from our armory we found ourselves 
almost unable to move on account of the enormous crowd, 
a magnificent crowd too, overflowing with enthusiastic loyalty 
and good nature, filling the air with endless cheers and patriotic 
songs ; there were many, too, who shed tears, — mothers, wives, 
sweethearts, sisters, who were seemingly alone fearful of re- 
sults. I felt very sorry for many of them. It is easy for us, 
amidst constant excitement and ever-varying circumstances, 
to keep our spirits up, but to these poor women at home, who 
can only wait, it must be very trying. 

i5 



1 6 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

As the head of the column turned down Broadway it was 
confronted by a dense mass of humanity, filling the street from 
side to side. The doors, windows, and roofs of every building 
on Broadway and those adjoining, commanding a view of the 
line of march, were jammed with crowds of people waving 
handkerchiefs and flags, and cheering with all their might and 
main. At the corners of some of the streets were steam fire- 
engines tooting their whistles, and everywhere myriads of 
starry banners fluttering in the breeze. The police, gradually 
and with much difficulty, forced a passage through this im- 
mense crowd, and we followed marching to the music of our 
splendid band, amid the yells and cheers of the ever-increasing 
multitudes. They not only cheered and sang and shook hands 
and hugged us, but filled us up with every imaginable thing ; 
as we were obliged to halt every few minutes, they closed in 
amongst us and delayed our progress sadly. We were nearly 
three hours in marching from Astor Place to Cortlandt Street, 
and on account of our baggage, very much fatigued. Individ- 
ually, I got along very well, wearing a uniform frock coat, 
and carrying all that I had wrapped in a rubber blanket strapped 
to my back. Most of the men, however, carried valises in their 
hands. At last we reached the dock and marched directly 
on board the ship. She had capacity for about three hundred 
souls ; we mustered eleven hundred in all ,and hardly managed 
to find standing room. However, we got on board, and very 
shortly afterwards the vessel's lines were cast off, the whistle 
blew, and the good ship left her dock and headed down the 
stream amid the most tremendous cheering, yelling, and 
screeching one can possibly imagine. 

The docks and vessels in the vicinity were crowded with 
people, many of whom amused themselves bombarding the ship 
with oranges ; myriads of handkerchiefs and small flags and 
lusty arms waved us an affectionate good-bye, and amidst this 
glorious and magnificent send-off, we steamed away and were 
soon well down the lower bay, our destination unknown, except 
that we were to meet the enemies of our country. We go for- 
ward in a great cause, confident of victory, delighted with 
the surroundings, and happy in the knowledge that the whole 
city we leave behind us look upon us as their representatives, 
and will diligently look after our necessities while we look- 
after the enemy. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 17 

On Tuesday morning we came to an anchor, and were told 
the ship was off the Naval Academy at Annapolis, on the 
Chesapeake Bay. Our experience the past two days has been 
most unpleasant. The ship is outrageously crowded from deck 
to keelson ; towards evening of the first day out the wind began 
to blow, increasing until midnight, when it blew a gale and 
rain fell in torrents. Those of us who were quartered on deck 
got promptly soaked through, and as a rule were horribly sea- 
sick, with no conveniences, and packed literally like sardines 
in a box ; the state of affairs may readily be imagined by one 
who has been to sea, but it is difficult to describe. Seasickness 
is a dreadful leveler of rank and destroyer of the ordinary 
amenities of life ; every one is indifferent to the wants of others 
and utterly without sympathy. There were a few facetious 
fellows, too gross to feel the effects of the rolling of the ship 
themselves, who took a fiendish delight in dangling pieces of 
fat pork from the end of a string in the faces of those less 
gross, and this little pleasantry usually succeeded in producing 
the desired effect. There were many of us who wished more 
than once that we had never been born. 

At 5 p. m. the first day out we fell in for dinner, struggled 
up to the galley, and there received a chunk of salt pork and 
large slice of bread, which we ate standing, bread in one hand, 
meat in the other. My piece of meat had a large bone in it, 
and smelt so badly that I threw it overboard to the fishes, and 
ate the bread alone. As the wind was freshening every minute, 
and the ship beginning to roll suspiciously, my appetite was 
not of the best, and later on entirely disappeared. Monday the 
wind went down and it stopped raining, but we did not get 
dried out, and as we had no shelter, were much the worse for 
want of sleep. There is not much romance about this, cer- 
tainly, but we are beginning to get experience. 

This morning, Tuesday, we found ourselves in company 
with five other vessels, all packed with troops similar to our 
own, convoyed by a small cutter called the Harriet Lane, a 
handsome craft carrying a couple of guns, and regular man-of- 
war crew. She is ready for action and looks quite warlike. 
Abut nine o'clock we anchored, rations were issued, including 
hot coffee, the band shook themselves together and played 
some stirring airs, and as the sun came out just about this 
time, we soon forgot our little troubles and became thoroughly 



1 8 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

interested in the magnificent view around us. The bay was 
smooth as glass, all the ships were gay with bunting, and crowds 
of armed men were mustering on every deck, while their bands 
were playing, sending their martial strains far over the sil- 
very surface of the placid waters. Surely this is a small but 
beautiful picture of glorious war that we have dreamed of 
so much. Some time afterwards a tug boat came puffing 
along, and reported to the officer commanding the Lane that 
the rebels were reported in force ashore, intending to dispute 
our landing. In consequence the Lane steamed in towards 
shore, guns shotted and run out; when she got pretty close 
she lowered boats, armed with howitzers and marines, and 
sent them in to land and reconnoiter the town. We knew Mary- 
land was a questionable state, being about evenly divided in 
its sympathies, and, consequently, were greatly interested in 
the outcome of the present affair. If they proved friendly, 
our chances would be greatly improved ; on the contrary, if 
they opposed our landing, the capital might be in serious 
danger. After a good deal of delay and manoeuvering, the 
boat's crews landed, finding nobody to oppose them. This was 
signaled to the Lane, when our ship was immediately ordered 
to weigh anchor, go in and disembark the regiment. We got 
aground, and were transferred to the steamer Boston, and then 
landed at the Naval Academy docks. The Academy we found 
deserted, the students scattered, and only a few men in charge. 
We stacked arms, broke ranks, and received rations, coffee, 
meat (the same old salt pork), and bread, but we did not 
confine ourselves to this diet ; the grounds swarmed with 
negroes, men and women, who had for sale, in abundance, eggs, 
pics, butter, and milk ; we soon bought them out, and for the 
first time since leaving home fared sumptuously. We appre- 
ciated it immensely, not yet being used to hard living and 
roughing it, and miss our regular meals prodigiously. 

There were no white persons in the camp, nor any white 
men in town ; all had disappeared, the negroes say, to join the 
rebel army. We remained overnight for want of transporta- 
tion for the quartermaster's department, and were quartered 
in some of the many class-rooms. We heard various rumors 
about the doings of the rebels in this neighborhood, and since 
dark have seen many blue lights and rockets in the air, no 
doubt signals to warn their friends of our arrival ; we conclude 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 19 

rail traffic between here and Washington is destroyed, from 
the reports of the negroes, and that we shall have to march, 
instead of going by train, as was expected ; and possibly have 
to fight, if, as is reported, some organized rebel troops are in 
the neighborhood. Marching in the condition we are in, loaded 
down with satchels, bundles, etc., is going to be very tiresome. 
It is nearly thirty miles to the junction, the place we must 
reach before we can go by rail. 

Wednesday morning, 24th. Reveille at daybreak, when we 
fell in and stood under arms for half an hour, when, finding 
everything quiet, and no enemy in sight, we broke ranks and 
prepared breakfast. Authentic reports came in early that the 
railroad between this place and the junction has been de- 
stroyed, and all the bridges burnt. We have orders to march 
immediately after breakfast, but cannot do so until transpor- 
tation for officers' baggage, ammunition, etc., has been found; 
the quartermaster is at work, and has many varieties of wagons 
already engaged, drawn by mules, oxen, cows, and horses. 
The camp is still abundantly supplied by the colored folks with 
eatables, and we have filled our haversacks with boiled eggs, 
corn bread, and home-made pies. At 6 p. m. of the 25th we 
fell in, and to the music of the drums and fifes, began our first 
real march ; we stepped out at a brisk pace, full of enthusiasm, 
thoroughly rested, and ready for anything required of us ; 
reports of the close proximity of the enemy were abundant, 
which kept us well closed up throughout the day, and after 
dark, the rockets and blue lights discharged in various direc- 
tions stimulated us to constant and renewed exertions. These 
signs of hostilities greatly interested us, and made us think we 
were already in an enemy's country. About midnight we sud- 
denly came upon a brilliant scene, being a bivouac of the First 
and Second Rhode Island regiments. There were more than 
a hundred fires burning, and the picturesque groups sitting 
around them gave us a delightful little view of campaigning 
most unexpectedly. The Rhode Islanders cheered us heartily, 
and as soon as we halted, invited us to share their hot coffee, 
which we were not slow to do. 

We rested here over an hour, the Rhode Islanders pre- 
ceding us by about an hour ; we were greatly fatigued, as the 
roads were very heavy, being knee-deep in sand, and were 
loath to move forward again, but it had to be done, and foot- 



2o DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

sore and weary, valises and bundles in one hand, guns in the 
other, we started off again, to march the remainder of the 
thirty miles. Many of the fellows lightened their burdens by 
throwing away some of their things, their views of the neces- 
sities of military life undergoing very serious changes as they 
encountered the hardships of campaigning. I was sorely 
tempted to throw away something myself, but held on to the 
end, although greatly exhausted. 

The night was dark but fine, and as soon as we got warmed 
up again, we stepped out at a lively gait, smoking, telling 
stories, and helping each other ; about two o'clock a couple of 
rockets were suddenly discharged almost directly in front of 
us ; the regiment was halted, and a company deployed as 
skirmishers, while the remainder formed in hollow square by 
the roadside. It was rumored there were a couple of rebel 
cavalry regiments in the neighborhood, and we supposed they 
were probably going to attack us. As soon as the square was 
formed, the men were told to sit down, arms in hands, and 
there we sat in perfect silence, while the skirmish line ad- 
vanced to discover the enemy. We talked in whispers, gave 
each other our home address in case of accident, then quietly 
awaited results. All of a sudden a strong beautiful tenor voice 
broke the silence, singing, " Vive l'America." It was Pender- 
gast, a noted professional singer, and was indeed exquisite, 
rendered unusually so, of course, by the surroundings. It 
was strange, romantic, and delightful, and I know I shall al- 
ways remember it most distinctly. After nearly an hour's 
delay, the company ahead reported the coast clear, so we fell 
in and resumed the march. One of the funny things about 
this march was the depressing responses of the natives to our 
frequent inquiries as to the distance to the junction, the in- 
variable replies being nine miles, and it began to look as 
though that nine miles was interminable. At last, just about 
the dawn of day, we reached the little station and village known 
as the junction, closed up the ranks, stacked arms, and lay right 
down in the street, and fell fast asleep. 

About seven o'clock we were on the alert again, and quickly 
transformed the nice rail fences into roaring camp-fires, around 
which we prepared our coffee and ate our breakfast. After- 
wards we went foraging, capturing chickens, ducks, pigeons, 
and whatever was eatable, and had lots of fun ; as the gov- 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 21 

ernment had not provided us with anything to eat here, we 
were obliged to help ourselves or fast, and under such circum- 
stances we did not hesitate. The natives protested in vain ; 
hungry soldiers must eat, and if the government cannot pro- 
vide, the country must do so, and the people will be obliged 
to charge up their losses to the calamity of war. 

We remained all day and quite recovered from our thirty- 
mile march. About five p. m. a long train of cattle-cars came 
in from Washington, to which we were promptly transferred, 
and arrived at our journey's end, Washington, about six o'clock 
the following morning, marching directly to the navy yard, 
where quarters were already prepared for us. 



CHAPTER III 

DESCRIPTION OF THE NAVY YARD, AND HOW WE PASSED THE 

TIME THERE. WE CROSS THE POTOMAC AND 

MARCH TO MEET THE ENEMY 

ARRANGEMENTS were made to quarter the regiment in 
the various sail lofts and store-houses. Double bunks, 
three tiers high, built to hold two men each, filled the 
room, with numerous narrow passages running between them. 
My company was assigned the upper floor of the first store 
room to the left, on entering. Company A and the band having 
the ground floor. In one corner of our room was a little par- 
tition, separating the company officers. The place was com- 
modious enough, and kept scrupulously clean. I was given 
an upper front berth, in company with a young fellow from 
New Jersey named Dodd, and together we passed three months 
as bedfellows on the best of terms. He was bright, intelligent, 
and proved a pleasant companion. 

This yard is a most delightful spot, particularly at this 
season of the year. It is entirely enclosed with a high brick 
wall, having a fine entrance, ornamented with anchors, can- 
nons, and other naval devices. A beautiful, well shaded ave- 
nue runs from the entrance to the water, flanked by pretty 
grass plots ; at many of the angles are picturesque arrange- 
ments of cannon bails, curious old cannons, etc. Around the 
top wall arc perched little sentry boxes within sight of each 
other and hailing distance ; in them our regiment performs 
most of its duty, and of a fine moonlight night, the sentries 
pacing up and down the walls, peering into the dark shadows 
of the outside world, seemed very romantic. Every time the 
clock strikes after dark, the sentinels call off the hours, adding 
in a singing voice, "and all 's well !" These calls are repeated 
throughout the entire circuit of the wall ; if there is any inter- 
ruption, the sergeant of the guard is soon on hand to know 
the reason why. On Eriday, May 3d, in the afternoon, we were 
paraded for review by General McDowell, Inspector Gen- 
eral, U. S. A., and after the drill, were mustered into the United 

22 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 23 

States service in our company quarters ; having now become 
United States troops, we settled down to regular garrison 
routine, drilling assiduously, two hours every morning and 
every afternoon, occasionally firing at targets with ball car- 
tridges. This part of the duty we liked, and averaged very fair 
shooting, although we were obliged to fire with bayonets fixed, 
which made the musket too heavy for me to hold steady enough 
for good shooting. Every evening at five o'clock, we fell in 
for dress parade on the main avenue, which became the fashion 
for the aristocrats of the city, and scores of fine ladies drove 
to the yard even - evening, to see the parade and listen to the 
superb music of Dodworth's band. The regiment, after it 
received its uniforms, made a fine appearance, drilled with 
great precision, and had the reputation of being a swell affair; 
this gave it great importance in the eyes of society people. It 
is in fact, a regiment mostly of very fine looking young fellows. 

Our food is cooked by men employed for that purpose, 
so we have none but strictly military duties to perform ; of 
course we wash our own clothes, and at first found it rather 
hard work to get our flannel shirts clean in cold water, but 
outside of this, and keeping our own quarters well swept, we 
do no police duty, that being done by marines on duty in the 
yard. By degrees we became initiated into the mysteries of 
a soldier's life. Reveille sounds at daybreak, when all hands 
turn out, dress themselves, and fall in for roll call ; this over, 
we put our quarters in order, then go to the hydrants in the 
street and perform our morning ablutions, stripped to the 
waist, dousing ourselves liberally with cold water, subsequently 
adjusting, with nice accuracy, our fresh paper collars. At seven 
a. m. we fall in for breakfast in one rank, march to the kitchen, 
and through a window receive a cup of coffee, and large slice 
of bread ; we have the same for tea, but dinner is varied — 
salt pork, fresh beef, corned beef in daily rotation, with abund- 
ance of bean soup — constitutes this meal. We sit around on 
the curbstones to eat. and generally a great many fashionable 
people remain after the parade to see us dispose of our even- 
ing meal. 

There is plenty of sport, fencing, leaping, running, and 
forever playing tricks on each other. In the evening we lie 
in our bunks (having no chairs or benches) and read or write, 
a candle stuck in the socket of a bayonet, jammed in the side 



24 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

of the bunk, furnishing the necessary light. Tattoo at half 
past eight, and taps at nine, when every light must go out, 
without exception. If there are any delinquents, a shower of 
boots, shoes, or other handy material, whizzes around their 
candle in the twinkling of an eye, accompanied with loud and 
continuous yells of "douse the glim." The great diversion, 
however, is the correspondence. Everybody at home wants 
to hear from us, and we like to receive letters, so there is an 
immense amount of letter writing. Good-natured congress- 
men frank them for us, so it costs nothing except for sta- 
tionery. This is generally highly ornamented with warlike 
and patriotic pictures in various colors, really very curious and 
interesting. One of our men, a former employee of the Post- 
Office Department, is detailed as postmaster, and his duty is 
anything but a sinecure. Very free criticism of affairs military 
is one of our prerogatives, and the people at home get many 
weighty opinions on the conduct of the war ; as for our ability 
to furnish any real information, truth obliges me to say we 
have to seek all our news at present from the New York papers. 
One of the pleasant incidents of this rather monotonous 
life, is the occasional detail of men to serve on board the "Ana- 
conda," a small war steamer that patrols the Potomac; the 
detail usually amounts to about a dozen men and extraordi- 
nary efforts are made to be one of the party. The boat fre- 
quently wakes up the rebel batteries about Acquia creek, and 
along the Virginia shore, but is principally occupied in pre- 
venting smuggling across the river. The boys come back en- 
thusiastic over their adventures afloat, and anxious for an- 
other detail. To show what the naval people think of us, I 
copy the following letter addressed to our commanding officer. 

United States Ship Anaconda, June 2d, 1861. 
Sir: 

I have great pleasure in informing you of the excellent 
character and conduct of the detachment of the Seventy-First 
Regiment, Company C, serving on this vessel. They have my 
warmest thanks for their assistance in working our guns at 
Acquia creek; as gentlemen, soldiers, or boatmen, they do 
honor to their regiment. Signed, 

N. Collins, 
Lieutenant, Commanding. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 25 

One afternoon the President sent word that he desired to 
inspect and review the regiment. The next day he came, at- 
tended by several people of distinction, and passed through 
every company's quarters in the yard ; we were all drawn up 
within our own rooms, and the President passed in front of 
us, shaking hands with every man. Afterwards we fell in for 
parade, and passed in review in full marching order. He paid 
us several compliments, and we cheered him lustily as he rode 
away. Mr. Lincoln has a strange, weird, and melancholy face, 
which fascinates you at first sight; he seemed overwhelmed 
with responsibility, and looked very tired. 

On the 20th of May Colonel Vosburg died of an hemor- 
rhage, and was buried with distinguished honors. The Presi- 
dent, Secretary Seward, half a dozen batteries, and several regi- 
ments of infantry assisting in making a very solemn and dis- 
tinguished funeral. Lieutenant Colonel Martin succeeded to 
the command of the regiment. He is a fine, soldierly looking 
man, and said to be a good officer, but is apparently not much 
known. 

Since our arrival, Washington has become an immense 
fortress ; the streets are crowded with men in an endless var- 
iety of uniforms, and all the public buildings are more or less, 
turned into temporary barracks. The capitol itself is full of 
men, some of them terrible looking fellows, especially, the 
New York Fire Zouaves in their red breeches and singular 
dress. They are certainly a hard looking crowd, and are 
commanded by young Ellsworth, of fancy drill renown. They 
are in the rotunda, while several other regiments, are in the 
wings and basement. The city is being completely surrounded 
by a complicated and strong system of earth works, upon 
which heavy details from the regiments, are at work night 
and day ; several immense forts are already fully constructed. 

On the 23d of May, our regiment, in company with several 
others, were put on transports and sent to occupy Alexandria, 
until this time left in the hands of the enemy. The rebels 
abandoned the place at our approach, and we took possession 
without opposition ; shortly after we landed, Colonel Ells- 
worth, commanding the Fire Zouaves, observing a rebel flag 
flying from the Marshall House, went into the hotel, ran 
upstairs, and hauled it down ; as he was descending, with the 
flag in his hand, the landlord, one J. W. Jackson, met him 



26 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

on the stairs, armed with a shot gun, and shot him dead, 
Frances E. Brownell, a private in the Fire Zouaves, close at 
hand, instantly leveled his rifle, and shot the traitor dead, 
and so the young ambitious colonel was instantly revenged, 
and the rebel citizens taught a wholesome lesson. 

This dramatic event caused great excitement, and the ut- 
most sorrow, as great things were expected of Ellsworth. As 
soon as possible the colonel's body, wrapped in an American 
flag, was transferred to the Navy Yard, where it lay in the 
engine house, and was viewed by thousands of people ; so 
great was the interest in the young man and the tragical event, 
that the President himself drove down to the yard, soon after 
the body was deposited there, and seemed greatly affected. 
Two days afterwards he caused his remains to be transferred 
to the White House, where they lay in state and were viewed 
by immense throngs of people. His funeral, like that of Vos- 
burg, was out of all proportion to his rank, but this is the 
very beginning of hostilities, and colonels seem to be of much 
importance. 

About the ist of July the troops were brigaded on the Vir- 
ginia side of the river, and formed into an army, commanded 
by General McDowell. On the 15th of July we received orders 
to cross the Potomac the following day, carrying three days' 
cooked rations ; we marched out, about one o'clock from the 
yard, very cheerfully, and crossed the long bridge into Old 
Virginia, singing lustily, "Away Down South in Dixie," and 
went into bivouac near Annandale, a distance of eight or nine 
miles. Here were gathered together an immense body of men, 
being organized into an army. Our regiment was brigaded 
under Colonel Burnside, with the First and Second Rhode Is- 
land regiments, and the Second New Hampshire. We had no 
tents or shelter of any kind, only one blanket to cover us, and 
what was worse than all, no old soldiers to teach us the simple 
tricks of campaigning comfortably. In the Navy Yard we 
slept on the bare boards, but that soon became easy for us; 
now with no boards, and no shelter when it rains, we shall be 
in a pretty pickle. I once wondered, I remember, what kind 
of beds we should have in the army ; by degrees, I am finding 
that out, as well as some other things. 

In the evening our enthusiasm burst out anew, when we 
saw the countless camp fires, extending in every direction as far 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 27 

as the eye could reach. Here around us was a veritable army, 
with banners, opening to our imagination, a glimpse of the 
glorious pomp, and circumstance of war. Later on, the music 
of the bands came floating over the gentle summer breeze, 
while the increasing darkness brought into more distinct re- 
lief the shadowy groups of soldiers sitting around the fires, 
or moving between the long lines of picturesquely stacked 
arms. At intervals were batteries of artillery, their horses 
tethered amongst the guns, while in rear of all, just discern- 
ible by the white canvas coverings, were wagons enough ap- 
parently, to suppiv the combined armies of the world. 

At nine o'clock tattoo was sounded by thousands of drums 
and fifes, and shortly afterwards the men were mostly asleep. 
A young fellow named Kline (Dodd having remained in the 
yard on the sick list) and I slept together, and shared each 
other's fortunes ; we spread my rubber and woolen blankets 
on the ground, covering ourselves with his blankets, and with- 
out other protection from the weather slept our first sleep in the 
open air, with the new army of Virginia ; we lay for a long 
time gazing at the starry heavens before we slept, our stony 
pillows not fitting as well as those we had been used to, but 
at last we slept, and only awoke at the beating of the drums 
for reveille. 

We turned out promptly, feeling pretty stiff, hair satur- 
ated with the heavy dew and generally shaky, but after a good 
wash at a running brook near by, and a bountiful supply of 
muddy coffee, were as bright and active as ever. This morn- 
ing we got many particulars of the approaching campaign ; 
it seems we are to move forward to Centreville, where the 
rebel army is in position ; attack, and if possibly, destroy it, 
and so end the rebellion. We formed column, and marched 
soon after breakfast, with bands playing, and colors flying, in 
a happy frame of mind, without a thought of danger or fail- 
ure. Nothing barred our progress until we approached Fair- 
fax Court House. Here we found the roads blockaded by 
felled trees, and it required considerable time to remove the 
obstructions ; shortly afterwards our advance guard exchanged 
shots with the enemy's mounted videttes, and a strong line of 
skirmishers was thrown out, which soon cleared the way and 
we entered the town in great spirits, the rebels retiring as we 
advanced, leaving behind them a good many stores, and their 



28 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

flag flying from a pole in front of the court house ; it was a 
blue cross on a red ground, with white stars on the bars. Our 
men quickly hauled it down and ran up the Stars and Stripes 
amidst vociferous cheering. The place is a wretchedly dirty, 
straggling little village, now almost deserted ; all the men, and 
most of the well to do women gone, the best houses generally 
being deserted. Many of the women stood in the doorways 
watching us march past, and I am sure, I never saw so many 
poor, ill fed, dirty looking creatures in my life before. They 
are what they call poor whites here, and seem hopelessly tired 
out; they acted ugly, evidently considering us enemies. I fear 
they had cause subsequently, as many of our men acted like 
barbarians. We halted, stacked arms, and rested in the main 
street of the village. As soon as ranks were broken, the men 
made a dash for the large houses, plundering them right and 
left ; what they could not carry away, in many cases, they de- 
stroyed ; pianos were demolished, pictures cut from their 
frames, wardrobes ransacked, and most of the furniture carried 
out into the street. Soon the men appeared wearing tall hats, 
women's bonnets, dresses, etc., loaded down with plunder 
which they proceeded to examine and distribute, sitting on 
sofas, rocking chairs, etc., in the middle of the dusty street. 
What was not considered portable, or worth keeping, was 
smashed and destroyed ; in this general sack the deserted 
houses came in for most attention, few of those having any 
one in charge being molested, and I did not hear of any per- 
sonal indignities. It seemed strange to me the men desired 
mementoes of something we did not have to fight for, and I 
took no part or interest in the business. This was Fairfax's 
first taste of war at the hands of the enemy, and it must have 
been decidedly bitter. 

We went into bivouac just in front of the town, with 
headquarters in the village. It seemed as though we had men 
enough in the encampment to overrun the whole world. If 
it were not for the numerous trains of wagons needed to supply 
us, how quickly we could finish up this war. This second 
bivouac was in all respects similar to the first. 

It is reported that General Beauregard, commanding the 
rebel army, has taken a position just beyond Centreville, and 
is awaiting our approach, intending to give battle ; also that 
they are strongly intrenched behind breast works and rifle pits. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 29 

We are told too, that the woods are full of masked batteries, 
commanding the roads over which we must march, and it 
looks now as though we should have some severe fighting in 
a few hours' time. It does not yet seem really like war, and 
it is hard to believe we shall actually have a battle, I suppose 
one good action will enable us to realize the requirements neces- 
sary to make a good soldier, and prove our usefulness, or 
otherwise, as nothing else will ; I hope we may prove equal to 
the emergency. 

Reveille the next morning sounded at daybreak, and soon 
afterwards we were enroute for Centreville, distant about 
eight miles ; the day was very hot and there was much strag- 
gling, many of the men proving poor walkers; at intervals 
we halted to give time for the advance guard to properly re- 
connoiter, and also to rest the men, so that we did not arrive 
in front of our objective point till 1 p. m. ; one trouble was 
the complete blockade of the road by wagons and artillery, 
obliging the infantry to take to the fields on either side of 
them, this causing much delay. I was in good condition, and 
did not mind the fatigue at all. Arriving at Centreville we 
found no enemy, but a little squalid, wretched place, situated 
on rising ground overlooking a good deal of the surrounding 
country. The column turned out to the right and left, forming 
a line of battle facing almost west, stacked arms, and lay down 
to await developments. Three regiments of infantry were 
shortly afterwards sent ahead to reconnoiter, and about a mile 
in front commenced exchanging shots at long range with the 
enemy's pickets; as they advanced, they brought on quite a 
little fight, in which some of the rebel batteries joined for the 
first time. We saw the white puffs from the cannon, and 
watched with breathless interest this first evidence of actual 
hostilities. Presently an aide came back for reinforcements, 
and two other regiments were ordered to advance, but had 
hardly started, when General McDowell coming on the ground, 
ordered the advance to be discontinued for the present, and 
the troops withdrawn. We had four men killed outright', and 
several wounded in this first baptism of fire, which of course, 
produced great excitement, in the rear, especially when the 
ambulance with the wounded came in. We knew now there 
was more to be done than simply marching, and bivouacking 
and began to feel a little curious, but still equal to the task,' 



30 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

and sure of giving a good account of ourselves. We remained 
in position the rest of the day and night, watching during the 
evening the long lines of dust far away to the right and front, 
which is said to indicate the arrival of reinforcements for the 
enemy. 

This morning we hear the rebel army is posted in a com- 
manding position along the Bull Run stream, deep in many 
places, but having numerous fords. The rebel general, John- 
son, has joined from Winchester, which explains the long 
dusty lines seen last evening. General McDowell, it is said, 
intends resting our army for a day or two here, in the mean 
time ascertaining the exact position of the rebels ; we are not 
at all in need of rest, and I don't see why we cannot go right 
ahead, but I suppose it is none of our business to speculate on 
the conduct of affairs. The wagons are now separately 
parked, so is the artillery, and the infantry placed so that the 
color line instantly becomes a line of battle in case of neces- 
sity. If the rebs would only come and attack us, how we 
should warm them. 

July 18th. To-day great droves of beef cattle were driven 
into camp and slaughtered, and three days' cooked rations pre- 
pared, and issued to all the troops ; we got enough to com- 
pletely fill our haversacks, and load us down uncomfortably. 
Nothing occurred during the day worth mentioning, the band 
played frequently while we cleaned our muskets, filled our 
cap pouches and cartridge boxes, and otherwise prepared for 
the great battle so near at hand. The camp is full of rumors, 
but nothing trustworthy. 

July ipth and 20th. — Nothing worthy of especial mention 
the last two days ; reports say the rebels are seventy thousand 
strong, with ten thousand additional men near at hand, strongly 
posted behind the run, with all commanding points well forti- 
fied. We have made many reconnoisances and find the enemy's 
position in front and left too strong for direct attack and so 
the plan now is to move the bulk of the army, under cover of 
the thick woods, to the right, and attack in earnest ; in the mean 
time, making demonstrations directly in front, and on the left, 
with force enough to take advantage of any weakness that 
may be discovered. All the preliminary arrangements are 
made, and we are entirely prepared. Saturday night taps 
sounded as usual at nine o'clock and we all tucked ourselves 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 31 

under the blankets and lay down for a good night's sleep; 
we had hardly got comfortably fixed, when we were ordered 
to get up and fall in silently. We got up wondering what 
was the occasion of this nocturnal disturbance, but quietly 
rolled and slung our blankets, fell into line, and answered to 
the roll call. We were ready to start by twelve o'clock but 
those ahead of us did not get out of our way till nearly two 
o'clock, so we sat down in the ranks and waited our turn. It 
was a brilliant moonlight night, and we could see the long line 
of flashing bayonets filing off to the right, looking like an im- 
mense silver sea serpent. From Centreville to Fairfax court 
house, all the troops were in motion, and where an hour be- 
fore everything was quiet and still, now the ground trembled 
with the tramp of armed men, and innumerable horses. We 
stepped out promptly at last, glad to be in motion, ; taking the 
Warrington road through Centreville, we marched some dis- 
tance, then turned off to the northward, on a wood road, and 
were hid from view by the dark, gloomy shadows of a pine 
forest. Everyone knew the object of the movement, and was 
anxious to get well in rear of the rebel left before daylight, 
and take him by surprise. For nearly three hours, our march 
lay through the dark pines ; finally about break of day, we 
emerged into open fields, and saw away off to the front and 
right the Bull Run and Blue Ridge mountains, with pleasant 
fields, and shady woods, laying quietly at their feet. It was 
so still and peaceful that it was hard to believe this beautiful 
Sunday morning we were going to fight a battle. 

We halted now awhile, giving the stragglers a chance to 
come up, and all of us a much needed rest, as we were very 
much fatigued, besides being hungry, and longed to make 
some coffee, but the orders were imperative, no fires ! no noise ! 
very shortly, several shots were fired directly in our front, 
the bugles sounded the assembly and we fell in ; the First 
and Second Rhode Island regiments were deployed in line of 
battle, and with a regiment of regular cavalry out as flankers, 
and several companies of infantry deployed as skirmishers in 
front advanced in the direction of the firing, we following 
in column, well closed up, a short distance in rear, a battery 
moving immediately in our front. The stately and well or- 
dered advance to our first battle was most impressive. Not a 
word was spoken, every man busy with his own emotions 
and trying to do his duty. 



CHAPTER IV 

" Ah me ! what perils do environ, 
The man that meddles with cold iron." — 

THE BATTLE OF BULL RUN IN WHICH WE FIGHT AND WIN AND 

RUN AWAY 

IN the order prescribed by the regulations, for a force feel- 
ing the enemy preparatory to an attack, we marched for- 
ward, passing over the open field and into a piece of full 
grown timber, apparently the slope of a considerable hill. As 
we slowly ascended the rising ground, suddenly a loud screech- 
ing noise overhead sent more than half the regiment pell 
mell the other side of a fence that ran along the road side. 
Here we crouched down flat on our bellies, our hearts in our 
mouths, just as a shell exploded a little beyond us. It was 
from the rebel batteries in front, and the first any of us had 
ever heard, and it certainly did seem a terrible thing, rushing 
through the air like an immense sky rocket, then bursting into 
a thousand pieces, carrying death and destruction to every- 
thing in its course. The stampede was only momentary, but 
very funny ; the boys jumped back again ; in fact, almost as 
quickly as they had dispersed, and then stood steady in the 
ranks, watching the advance of the Rhode Islanders. When 
the latter had emerged into the clearing, beyond the woods, 
our regiment wheeled to the right, into line of battle, and fol- 
lowed the advancing line. In the meantime, several shells 
came over the woods, generally passing far to the rear before 
bursting, doing no harm other than making us a little nervous. 
Just as we emerged from the woods, the Rhode Islanders 
reached the crest of the hill and immediately opened fire, and 
the rattle of musketry became so heavy we could hear no 
commands, and the smoke so thick, we could see nothing at 
all in front; away off to the right, however, we saw little 
white puffs of smoke, indicating the position of the rebel bat- 
teries, which began to drop their shells about us, much to our 
confusion ; while we were peering into the dense smoke in 
front, wondering how the enemy looked, an order came direct- 

32 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 33 

ing us to move forward and go into action. We marched 
immediately, reached the crest of the hill, and amid the rattle 
of musketry, the booming of guns, and screeching of shells, 
lay down and commenced firing. Before we had time to get 
well at work, along came Griffith's light battery at full gallop, 
scattering the right of our regiment badly ; we got together 
again as quickly as possible, but were five and six files deep, 
narrowing the front of the regiment, and rendering about 
half of us useless. I was in this struggling crowd, and with 
many others, tried hard to get the line straightened out, but 
the objection many of the fellows had to take the front rank 
prevented our doing much of anything, so I crept up to the 
front, determined at least to get a sight of the enemy, and a 
shot if possible. I soon reached a position where I could 
look over the hill, and there sure enough, nearly at the bottom, 
just in front of a clump of trees, stood a long line of rebel 
infantry firing away at our men. I took a shot immediately, 
and then loaded and fired as quickly as I could, very much 
excited, but now not at all afraid, except of the men in rear 
who persisted in firing over our heads, although they could 
see nothing to fire at, and stood no possible chance of hitting 
anything, except the back of our heads, which was not com- 
fortable to think of. The musket balls whistled around us, 
and every now and then, one of our fellows dropped his gun 
and rolled over, shot ; however, the noise of the musketry, and 
booming of the cannon, drowned all cries, and kept up the 
excitement, so that we thought only of firing and trying to 
hit somebody. We lay in this position a good while, keeping 
up a rattling fire, when the order was passed along the line 
to stand up and fire; the regiment jumped to its feet, just as 
a wild unearthly yell rung out below, and the rebel line dashed 
forward, charging directly up the hill at us. We had a beauti- 
ful chance now and blazed away into the advancing line with- 
out let or hindrance, but still they came on until some of them 
got within thirty yards of us, and I really thought they were 
going to reach us and give us a chance to bayonet them, but 
suddenly they hesitated, then turned back, and ran away. Now 
we yelled, and together with our boat howitzers, poured a 
rattling fire into them, killing and wounding a good many ; 
they ran until they reached the woods, then reformed, and 
actually tried it again, but this second attempt was a mere 



34 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

farce. The batteries shelled them until they completely dis- 
appeared, leaving us in undisputed possession of the field. Our 
fighting was done and very soon we were relieved by the 
Sixty-ninth New York and a New Hampshire regiment, who 
followed up the enemy, while we fell back to the edge of the 
woods, stacked arms, and answered to roll call. We had lost 
seventeen men killed outright, and forty wounded ; all the 
rest were accounted for; we then buried the dead and carried 
such of the wounded as had not already been cared for back 
to the field hospital, after which we compared notes and con- 
gratulated each other on the success of the fight. There 
served with us throughout the whole fight a tall, elderly gen- 
tleman, wearing plain clothes and a tall silk hat, in the front 
rank, who loaded and fired away in the most deliberate man- 
ner, apparently wholly indifferent to danger; he must have 
done a good deal of execution, as the excitement did not seem 
to affect him in the least. They say he is a noted abolition- 
ist, and desired to do his share in the field, as well as in the 
forum ; I am sorry I cannot remember his name. With a regi- 
ment of such men as he, what might we not have done ? 

Soon after we retired, General McDowell rode up, dressed 
in full uniform, including white kid gloves, and told us we 
had won a great victory, and that the enemy were in full re- 
treat ; we cheered him vociferously, and felt like veritable 
heroes. 

The enemy having disappeared, some of us concluded to 
walk over the battle field, see how it looked, and pick up 
something as a souvenir of the fight. The Sixty-ninth and 
Seventy-ninth New York and the splendid line of the marine 
corps, in their white cross belts, were moving without oppo- 
sition, away off to the right, apparently intending to follow 
the enemy to Richmond. Butler and I strolled down the hill 
side, and were soon amongst the dead and dying rebels, who 
up to this time had been neglected. What a horrible sight 
it was ! here a man, grasping his musket firmly in his hands, 
stone dead; several with distorted features, and all of them 
horribly dirty. Many were terribly wounded, some with legs 
shot off ; others with arms gone, all of them, in fact, so badly 
wounded that they could not drag themselves away ; many of 
the wretches were slowly bleeding to death, with no one to 
do anything for them. We stopped many times to give some 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 35 

a drink and soon saw enough to satisfy us with the horrors 
of war; and so picking up some swords, and bayonets, we 
turned about and retraced our steps. Suddenly a minnie ball 
whistled past us, making the dust fly just in front, where it 
lodged ; we thought it must be from some of our men mistaking 
us for rebels, and so hurried along to join our regiment when, 
nearly at the summit of the hill, a whole volley of musket balls 
whizzed about us, one of them striking my companion, who 
dropped to the ground as though he had been killed, and I 
really thought he was ; in looking him over, I found he was 
shot through the knee and quite unable to stand, or walk ; 
promising to bring him assistance, I started on the run, found 
the regiment, and with several good fellows quickly returned, 
picked up our comrade and carried him to the rear, and left 
him with the surgeons. This turn in affairs greatly puzzled 
everybody, and the only conclusion arrived at was, that some 
of our troops had mistaken us for the enemy. About half an 
hour after this, our attention was attracted to the distant hills 
and open ground by long lines of infantry extending across 
the whole face of the battle ground ; the sound of distant 
musketry came floating along, followed by an occasional can- 
non shot. Presently the lines grew more distinct, finally de- 
veloping into well defined lines of battle, marching in our 
direction ; everybody was now alert ; wondering what was 
going to happen ; at last the glittering bayonets, reflecting 
the summer sun, were easily distinguished, and there was no 
longer a doubt but what the rebels had reformed, and with 
new forces were going to renew the fighting. The musketry 
increased and several batteries opened in our direction, but 
there were no indications on our part of making any resist- 
ance to the rapidly advancing foe ; so far as we could see over 
the wide extended fields, not a single line of battle on our 
side was in position ; the regiments about us had been gradu- 
ally withdrawing, until few were left. All the guns had gone, 
except our two howitzers, and there was no general officer 
on the ground. As the long line came nearer and nearer, 
Colonel Martin ordered us to fall in, and with muskets in 
hand, we stood, simply watching the gradual approach of 
this overwhelming force, and the disappearance of our troops ; 
wondering what had become of all the masses of men we not 
long ago thought numerous enough to thrash the world ; now 



3 6 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

there was nobody left, and our colonel at length ordered us 
to counter march to the rear, and follow the crowd. We still 
supposed there was a new line forming in rear of us, and that 
in the confusion, our regiment had escaped attention, conse- 
quently, at first were not much alarmed, but as we continued 
going to the rear and saw no signs of fresh dispositions, we 
came to the conclusion we were running away, following the 
route we had marched over with so much confidence in the 
morning; presently we came up with the rear of the troops 
that had preceded us, but looked in vain for new defensive 
dispositions. Everywhere was hurry and confusion, the 
wagons and batteries filled the roads, while the men spread out 
on either side, gradually losing their formations and fast be- 
coming reckless. There was no rear guard, nor any arrange- 
ments for holding the enemy in check, and if they really had 
appeared, they might have captured us all without difficulty. 
Now every one was anxious to be first, and so by degrees, the 
men of various regiments got mixed up together, and thus, 
finding themselves without officers, accelerated their steps until 
at last it became a precipitate flight to the rear. 

In the course of the afternoon, when the woods were one 
mass of men, without a semblance of order, a report spread 
that the Black Horse cavalry were advancing! instantly, 
every man of us backed up to a tree, and it was really won- 
derful how almost instantaneously the woods seemed clear of 
men; with three or four of us around a tree, bayonets fixed, 
awaiting in fearful suspense, we looked quite formidable, but 
were in fact, very weak kneed. 

After waiting a time, and seeing nothing of the foe, we 
spread out again, hurrying along to get across the Bull Run 
stream. By this time the men were throwing away their 
blankets, knapsacks, and many of them their guns, in order 
to fly the faster ; and when the enemy began shelling the woods 
we were in, the panic was complete, and all semblance of 
order was lost ; at a bridge where the ambulances were cross- 
ing, several shells burst in succession, completing the disaster. 
Confusion became confounded ; men, horses, mules, wagons, 
ambulances, and batteries were inextricably mixed together, 
and the mass rushed forward, abandoning everything in their 
flight ; in many cases, the drivers of wagons and ambulances 
cut loose their teams and galloped to the rear, leaving their 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 37 

wagons and contents to block the road, thus cutting off all 
chance for escape for those in rear of them. On the bridge 
over the Bull Run were several ambulances, filled with 
wounded men, so jammed together that none of them could 
move. Some shells from the enemy's guns dropped in amongst 
them, killing some of the wounded, scaring away the drivers, 
and effectually blockading the bridge for good. The panic 
was complete. The wounded, deserted in the ambulances, 
yelled for succor in vain ; the whole crowd were utterly de- 
moralized. Colonel Martin and the regiment up to this time 
had kept tolerably well together, but here the general frenzy 
took possession of us, too, and the cry of "every man for him- 
self, and the devil take the hindmost," was the only rule ob- 
served. 

About the stream, the loss of material was immense ; our 
two boat howitzers were abandoned here, after doing very 
effective service. There were hundreds of wagons, ambulances, 
forges, guns, muskets, myriads of blankets, knapsacks and 
every kind of accoutrement ; the ground, in fact, being liter- 
ally covered with material, the men throwing away indiscrim- 
inately all that they had to facilitate their flight. When we 
arrived at the stream the bridge was completely blockaded, 
so we took to the water with the crowd, and found it nearly 
up to our waists ; we were almost dying with thirst and stop- 
ped to drink and fill our canteens ; the water was liquid mud, 
but more precious to us just then than gold ; standing amongst 
myriads of men and horses, I drank and drank, until I must 
have swallowed at least a quart ; it did refresh us amazingly ; 
we had marched all the previous night ; fought all the morning, 
and had been running away all the afternoon, with nothing 
at all to eat since the evening before, and as the heat was 
intense, and the dust horrible, one may imagine our condition. 

It did us good to see many batteries boldly ford the run, 
descending the steep bank and climb the opposite side in a 
most business like manner. I can truthfully say up to this 
time none of us had seen or heard of a general officer or aid- 
de-camp nor any one making any effort to stem the tide of 
disorder south of the stream. 

After crossing the river, the crowd kept on in just the 
same disorder ; but, as they got more fatigued they threw 
away more of their equipment, and so bv degrees, about one- 



38 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

half of them threw away their arms, as well as clothing. 
Amongst the infantry, there was no longer a pretense of for- 
mation ; the crowd scattered over a wide area of fields and 
roads, observing only one rule, of keeping in the direction of 
Washington. As our organization fell to pieces at the run, 
half a dozen of us agreed for our own safety to stick to- 
gether at all hazards, retain our arms and accoutrements, and 
pretend we were soldiers. The country was now open, giving 
an extended view of the situation as far as we could see ; to 
the right and left, crowds of men, wagons and guns, all mixed 
together, were hurrying along spread all over the country. 

We trudged along wearily enough, at last reaching Cen- 
treville, and then sat down to rest and eat, expecting the 
crowd would do the same, but their fears still urged them 
forward, and they surged through, and around the village, in 
one continuous mass of disorder. We rested about an hour, 
then started ahead again, keeping along with the crowd still 
as dense as ever. Not long after passing Centreville, the 
crowd in front suddenly halted as if by magic ; right in front, 
drawn up in battle array, stretched a long dark line of in- 
fantry, completely blocking the way ; to our disordered im- 
agination there could be but one explanation, the enemy had 
in some way gotten in our rear, and cut us off ; no man dared 
to advance, and for a time we were motionless, lost in amaze- 
ment. Presently the men on the extreme right began a move- 
ment to slip around the flank, hoping in this way to elude the 
new danger; but just then several mounted men rode forward, 
and announced the troops in front as friends, being in fact, 
a line of New Jersey troops, formed to stem the surging tide 
of disorder, by offering a shelter, sufficiently strong to restore 
confidence. What a relief it was ! we were now safe from 
pursuit, and could rest our weary feet. We marched along 
with the crowd, passed through the new line, and sat down, 
intending to go no further, utterly exhausted and demoralized. 
We threw ourselves on the ground, and watched with much 
anxiety, the efforts made to stop the fugitives. Staff officers, 
cavalrymen, and infantry, all exerted themselves strenuously 
to halt the crowd, and form them anew, in rear of the fresh 
men, but without success ; the crowd continued pressing to 
the rear determined only to stop, under the forts at Wash- 
ington. We remained till after dark getting a little rest, but 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 39 

keeping our eyes on the Jerseymen. About eight o'clock two 
of the regiments near us were ordered back to Vienna, so we 
fell in with them, and continued our retreat from this point, 
in much better company. We marched wearily along, foot 
sore, and since night set in, extremely nervous. In every piece 
of woods through which we marched we heard the dreaded 
sighing of the minnie ball, and saw dark shadowy forms, which 
took the shape of Black Horse Cavalry. We knew better, but 
our nerves gave out, I expect, and we could not help ourselves. 
As everything in life must come to an end sooner or later, 
so this trying march to Vienna ended also, something after 
midnight. The Jerseymen turned into a field to the right of 
the road, formed in close column of division, stacked arms, and 
lay down and slept. We begged some bread of them ; half a 
loaf each, which we lost no time in eating, then lay down and 
slept. We had no covering, as our regiment was ordered to 
remove their blankets before the fight, and never had a chance 
to get them again, but we slept for all that, and only waked, 
after a vigorous shaking; about three o'clock in the morning, 
the Jerseymen were ordered to fall back on account of the 
advancing enemy, and there was nothing else to be done but 
go with them. What unwelcome news ! My feet were so 
covered with blisters, and swollen, that at first I could not 
stand on them, and it seemed out of the question to use them 
at all, but we had heard of the guerillas, and feared capture, 
so were bound to move. I tore my pocket handkerchief into 
strips and bound each toe, separately ; the soles, and heels, 
and in that shape started off ; at first I could scarcely stand, 
but, as my feet warmed up they felt better, and I was able to 
keep up with the regiment, until we got to within about seven 
miles of Washington. There we parted with the Jerseymen, 
and went to a farm house, where after much parleying, we 
hired a man to carry us to the long bridge, for fifty cents 
apiece. As soon as the springless wagon was hitched up, we 
jumped in, and felt that our troubles were all over. In due 
time we arrived before the tete de pont at the long bridge, 
paid and dismissed our farmer friend, and started to cross 
over, but the sentry stopped us and refused to let us cross. 
The sergeant of the guard was deaf to our entreaties, and we 
fell back in dismay ; presently, someone suggested that, by 
taking the tow path to the Georgetown bridge, about three 



4o DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

miles up the river, we could cross, and so, nothing daunted 
by the pouring rain, we started off and for two hours strug- 
gled over the worst road, in the worst weather, imaginable. 
When we arrived, we were disgustingly covered with red clay 
mud, from head to foot, and altogether in a pitiful condition ; 
filled with anxiety, we went up to the bridge and found a 
regiment apparently going over, and so fell in rear of it, but 
when nearly up to the entrance, it filed off to the right, leav- 
ing us in the lurch once more. Nothing remained now but to 
go up boldly and ask permission to cross, which we did, and 
were delighted when told to go ahead ; we lost no time in 
passing the guard, and with light hearts, but dreadfully weary 
feet, trudged along, and were soon across and looking out for 
some means of getting to the Navy Yard, many miles away. 
Very soon afterward a couple of gentlemen rushed up to us, 
grasped us by the hand, and hustled us into a carriage ; they 
said they were New Yorkers and had heard all about the gal- 
lant behavior of the Seventy-first, and that they were there 
for the express purpose of taking care of some of the boys. 
They were full of sympathy, and took great interest in us, 
and so we began to think a little better of ourselves. They 
took us to the Metropolitan Hotel, where they ordered dinner, 
wine, etc., and made us sit down, wet and muddy as we were, 
and eat and drink. It was wonderful how we recovered under 
this generous treatment, and in a couple of hours, were so 
refreshed that we took leave of our fellow townsmen with 
many and hearty thanks, and went straight to the Navy Yard, 
almost falling asleep on the way. 

Arriving, I found my companion Dodd occupying our old 
bunk in tranquil security, not having heard of the misfortune 
that had befallen the army. He came to the rescue, and like 
the good fellow he was, never ceased till I was encased in dry 
clothes, and snugly packed away in my old place, and fast 
asleep. 

July 23d. I awoke after a long, refreshing sleep, very 
stiff, and feet badly blistered, but, after a cold bath at the 
hydrant, and a cup of coffee, felt quite myself again. 

Many men have returned but not enough to complete the 
organization, so we were not required to perform any duty. 
The first thing I did was to clean my musket, and belts, then 
my clothes, and by noon time had everything in good order; 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 41 

then Dodd and I dressed up in our best clothes, and walked 
to the city, first going to the telegraph office, where we had 
to wait a long time for our turn, to notify our families at 
home that we were not killed, wounded, or missing ; this done, 
we spent the day in town, looking up our men, and getting 
all the news we could of the situation, now considered ex- 
tremely critical. The forts have been manned, and all the 
available troops placed in position to defend the capitol. 

July 25th. Nearly all the men are back again to-night, 
and military duty is to be resumed to-morrow, but our three 
months have expired, and we are ordered back to New York 
to be mustered out of service. The President has called for 
three hundred thousand men to serve for three years, or the 
war. The country is just beginning to realize the magnitude 
of the undertaking, and the first thing it is going to do is to 
organize a regular army, which will last at least for three 
years. Our views of war are somewhat modified by the past 
three months' experience, but I am determined to return, and 
under more favorable conditions, try to find that exaltation 
and glory that I have always associated with arms. 

We shall go home and refit for a long period, organize 
and discipline an army, and when officers and men have 
learned to adjust themselves to their new positions, and know 
each other and their duties thoroughly, then commence afresh, 
and go on to victory, or sustain defeat with dignity. The 
cause is just as great to-day as it was the day we left New 
York, and, while we have been temporarily overthrown, there 
is no cause for despondency. We shall as certainly win in the 
end, as though we had never seen, or heard, of the disastrous 
battle of Bull Run. 

For myself, I have served in the ranks for the last time ; 
and shall go home and apply at once for a commission in 
some of the regiments now forming to serve for three years 
or the war, which will be more to my taste than serving in 
the ranks. 

Two days after the regiment returned to the yard it was 
ordered home by rail, going by way of South Amboy, and 
landed at pier 1, North River; from thence it marched up 
Broadway to the armory on Centre Street. Depositing our 
arms and accoutrements, we were dismissed till the 30th of 
July, when the regiment was mustered out of service and 
paid off, and so ended our first campaign. 



CHAPTER V 

"Only this — 
Let each man do his best." — H. 4th. 

IN WHICH I ASSIST IN RECRUITING A COMPANY FOR THE FIFTY- 
SEVENTH NEW YORK INFANTRY, RECEIVE A COMMISSION, 
AND START A SECOND TIME FOR WASH- 
INGTON, AND THE SEAT OF WAR 

AS soon as I was mustered out of service with the Seventy- 
first regiment I lost no time in seeking for a commission, 
fully determined to return to the field, but not as a 
private soldier. I soon found that commissions were to be 
obtained only by securing a certain number of men to enlist, 
and so after applying to various organizations in every state 
of formation, all with the same results, in connection with an 
ex-Danish officer, Julius Ericcson, living in Brooklyn, I set 
to work to raise the requisite number of men to secure the 
prize. New York and Brooklyn were transformed into im- 
mense recruiting camps. In all the public squares and parks 
hundreds of tents were erected, covered with flags and immense 
colored bills, on which the advantage of the various branches 
of the service were fully stated. There were bands of music 
and scores of public speakers, all engaged by patriotic cit- 
izens, to stimulate the military ardor of the other fellow, and 
get him to enlist for three years. We soon found a great 
change had come over the spirit of the people since the de- 
parture of the militia regiments, in April. Then, everybody 
wanted to go; now, apparently, most people wanted to stay at 
home. We put up a wall tent in the New York City Hall 
Park, and another at the junction of Atlantic and Flatbush 
Avenues, Brooklyn, in an open lot. The captain and I took 
turns in attendance in New York, while John Ericcson, the 
captain's eldest son, who was to go out as orderly sergeant, 
was put in charge of the Brooklyn tent. We got some im- 
mense posters printed, and among other inducements offered 
by our company was the experience of the future officers, one 
gained in a foreign service, the other on the field of Bull Run. 

42 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 43 

Notwithstanding these seeming advantages, our best efforts, 
and the prodigious enthusiasm of the times, recruiting proved 
very slow. I coaxed one man into enlisting, through my 
knowledge of the Crimean War, one Stuart, a fine six-foot 
Englishman who had served in the Crimean War and had 
been a soldier in the British army almost all his life. He 
took hold with a will, and we put him in charge of the tent 
as second sergeant. As the recruiting proved so slow at home, 
it was decided to send me, at the expense of the State, to 
Oswego, N. Y., and there I promptly repaired ; advertised 
in both the daily papers, setting forth the advantages of a 
metropolitan regiment. While there I enjoyed the brief dis- 
tinction of being the only man in town who had been at Bull 
Run, and in consequence, was feted and honored as an excep- 
tional personage. 

With the assistance of a young man named Hamilton, na- 
tive there, I actually obtained some twenty-nine or thirty men, 
and was just upon the point of starting with them to New 
York, when they deserted in a body, and went over to one 
of the local organizations. Disgusted, I returned immediately, 
and in a few days afterwards went to Poughkeepsie, and re- 
mained there for two weeks, but succeeded in getting only 
about half a dozen men, mostly from Wappingers Falls. I 
was taken, while in that place, with a severe attack of fever 
and ague and was almost shaken to pieces. Considering the 
ground no longer profitable I returned home, and found we 
had already got more than the number required by the State, 
to muster us into its service, with a captain and first lieuten- 
ant; and so, on the 23d of September, 1861, we marched our 
company of recruits to the state arsenal on Elm Street, where 
they were stripped naked, examined by a surgeon, and all 
of them passed as able bodied men. Then the mustering 
officer called the roll, and every man in succession stepped one 
pace to the front, took the oath of allegiance to the State, 
and swore to serve as a soldier for three years, or during 
the war. Immediately afterwards, in compliance with the 
State law a very perfunctory election of officers took place, 
in presence of the mustering officer; and Julius Ericcson was 
declared duly elected captain and I the first lieutenant of the 
new company. The muster roll was made out, signed by the 
mustering officer, and we were at last in the service of the 



44 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

State; legally held for duty, and under pay. Before leaving 
the arsenal, the company was furnished with uniforms, under- 
clothing, haversacks, canteens, and blankets, and at once 
divested themselves of their citizen garb, and emerged from 
the arsenal, looking something like real soldiers. 

The company was ordered to Staten Island, and so we 
marched directly to the ferry, landing at the lower station, 
Fort Wads worth, and went into camp at Chestnut Grove, a 
private park surrounding a fine deserted mansion, a short dis- 
tance in rear of the forts. The first night the men were 
quartered in the lower part of the house, while we occupied 
the upper part, but the day following, "A" tents were sent 
over, and under my direction, assisted by Sergeant Stuart, 
they were put up facing each other on a wide fine street, at 
the head of which was pitched a tent for the orderly sergeant. 
The captain desired to remain with his family in town, and 
so elected to take charge of the recruiting service, leaving 
the command of the company to me, which exactly suited 
my taste. 

I went to work immediately to drill and discipline the 
company, and devoted every moment to the work. We drilled 
in squads, platoons, and company, pitched and struck tents, 
and the men soon began to look and act like real soldiers. 
After dark I devoured the army regulations, and the book 
of tactics, and was proud and happy indeed. 

On the 27th of September I appeared before a board of 
examiners and received the following certificate, after which 
I donned by new uniform and gilt-hilted sword, and returned 
to Chestnut Grove, satisfied with all the world. 

" State of New York, Department of Volunteers, 
Division Armory, Corner White and Elm Street. 
New York, September 27, 186 1. 
We the undersigned, examiners for the State of New York, 
Department of Volunteers, do hereby certify that we have 
examined Josiah M. Favill, in the School of "the Soldier, and 
Company ; and found him duly qualified to serve as a Com- 
pany officer. 

Col. W. N. Tompkins, 
Henry P. Martin, 

Examiners." 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 45 

The second day after our arrival, another company joined 
us, commanded by James W. Britt, with a Mr. Hale as first 
lieutenant. Britt remained mostly in the city, so Hale and I 
found ourselves as a rule, in charge, and worked together 
very satisfactorily. The men were fed by contract and fared 
well. The contractor also furnished the officers' mess quite 
generously without cost to us, which I could not then, nor 
have since been able to understand. We dined off an impro- 
vised table of boards, and generally had several guests, to 
which the good-natured contractor made not the least objec- 
tion ; we slept on sofas, found in the house, and were alto- 
gether very comfortable. As soon as we were able to look 
about us we found Staten Island had been converted into an 
immense camp, and in every direction the ground was dotted 
over with white tents. Near to us was a regiment of French- 
men, "Les Enfants perdu/' most excellently well named. 
They swarmed over the country at night, kicked up all kinds 
of rows, and were a terror to their officers, as well as the 
neighborhood. They had a fine band, which played a good 
deal of the time, and was greatly appreciated, giving an air 
of martial reality to the camps about us. 

Our principal difficulty was to keep the men in camp. 
Sentinels patroled the camp throughout the night, but the 
men would slip away, generally returning much the worse 
for a carousal. Stuart proved a vertitable treasure. He taught 
the men all the tricks of an old soldier; how to make them- 
selves comfortable with almost nothing ; how to make com- 
fortable beds; how to police the camp, strike and pitch their 
tents, and a thousand little things only learned by experience. 
Many people from the city and adjacent country visited the 
camps ; the women especially were greatly interested in the 
primitive life of the new soldiers. 

On October 18th, we received orders to march the fol- 
lowing day to New Dorp, about four miles in the interior, 
there to be assigned to the Fifty-seventh New York Infantry, 
National Guard Rifles, commanded by Colonel Samuel K. 
Zook. On the morning of the 19th we broke camp, marched 
to the railroad, and thence by rail to New Dorp reporting at 
Camp Lafayette about noon. We found over seven hundred 
men there, some quartered in rude board barracks, others 
under canvas. They were dressed in various styles of uni- 



46 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

form, being parts of several organizations, which for various 
reasons had been unable to complete their quotas, and thus 
could not be mustered into the United States service as regi- 
ments. The State accepted the companies, and mustered them 
and allowed a reasonable time for the completion of the 
proposed regiments, but if it appeared the full number could 
not be obtained, then the State arbitrarily formed them into 
regiments itself, and appointed the field officers, thus hasten- 
ing the sending forward of men to the front, and transferring 
the cost to the broader shoulders of Uncle Sam. We marched 
into the enclosed camp ground and then, with nine other com- 
panies, were mustered as a regiment for the first time. As 
soon as the mustering officer had completed the inspection of 
the rolls, we took the oath of allegiance to the Government, 
and were henceforth known as the Fifty-Seventh New York 
Infantry Volunteers. There being only about eight hundred 
and fifty men, several of the state officers were rendered super- 
numerary and discharged. 

I was obliged to accept a second lieutenancy, but felt thank- 
ful for being retained at all. Companies A, D, E, F, and G 
were recruited in New York City, B in Utica, C in Kings 
County, and H, I, and K in Duchess County. The three latter 
companies contained a number of men from the old regular 
Fourth infantry, who had been captured, and paroled by the 
rebel authorities in Texas. They were a well drilled lot of 
soldiers, and gave the regiment the appearance of regulars 
from the start, and were invaluable as instructors for the 
new men. Company F, Captain McKay, had the right; Com- 
pany I, Captain Saunders, the left, and Company K, Captain 
La Valley, the colors ; my company became E, Britt's D, Kirk's 
S, Horner's H, Gott's C, Chapman's A, and Troop's B. We 
were now in the service of the United States for three years, 
or the war, and settled down to regular military life. 

The following morning regimental guard mounting com- 
menced, and the camp was placed under martial law. My 
company was assigned to tents already pitched, the captain 
and I having a wall tent together, at the head of the street, 
Between drill hours, the men ornamented the company streets 
with pretty borders of oyster shells, etc., and took great pleas- 
ure in their new life. Many of the officers, however, showed 
more anxiety to get to town, than in the practice and study of 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 47 

their new profession ; a fact which the colonel was not slow 
to recognize, and took pains to correct, as far as he could. 
The men were fed as at Chestnut Grove by, a contractor, but 
the officers were obliged to look out for themselves, and joined 
a mess at the hotel near by, where most of our evenings were 
spent when not on duty. The landlord's daughters were 
extremely popular, and no officer of the Fifty-seventh, I think, 
will easily forget them. Individually, I found camp life alto- 
gether fascinating, and never left it except in case of neces- 
sity. I drilled the company, and studied night and day, both 
tactics and army regulations, looked after every detail, and, 
as a rule, was in command, the captain generally being in the 
city. 

Several days after the organization of the regiment, I was 
officer of the guard, and received the first notice from the col- 
onel. At the guard house there were only fifteen old smooth 
bore muskets, the regiment not being armed ; in consequence, 
about half the guard were without arms. Soon after guard 
mounting, I received word that the colonel was at the hotel, 
and would shortly arrive in camp. This threw us all into a 
flutter of excitement, as the guard must be turned out on the 
approach of the commanding officer. As we wanted to make 
a good impression, we fell in for a preliminary effort, giving 
all the arms we had to the men in the front rank ; after going 
through the regular form we stacked arms and awaited de- 
velopments. In a few minutes the colonel put in an appear- 
ance. The guard fell in, took arms, opened ranks, and as he 
came up, presented arms and stood steady. The colonel 
acknowledged the salute, and walked entirely around the 
guard, examining their dress accoutrements and set up ; and 
upon his inspection being completed, complimented me on its 
appearance, saying the men looked well, and he was pleased 
with our performance. Then he added, "Who told you to 
put all the arms in the front rank ?" I said I had no orders for 
doing so, but thought we made a better appearance than if 
they were scattered through the ranks. "Yes, you showed 
good sense," he said, and walked off. We were all much 
tickled with our success. 

In the course of a week, an orderly came to my tent in 
the afternoon, and said the colonel wished to see me. Very 
much concerned, I reported to him at once, when to my relief, 



4 8 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

he demanded to know whether I could form the regiment for 
dress parade ? I said yes ; he then explained that Fiske, the 
adjutant, would not be there that evening, and that he had 
asked me to take his place from my success as an officer of 
the guard. I was delighted, and felt like a major-general. 
To be selected out of so great a number of officers, for such 
a duty, was very wonderful, and I went back and read the 
regulations over and over again. At the time appointed I 
formed the regiment easily enough, the drum corps beat off, 
and without any error I went through the regular formula, 
and turned the command over to the colonel. After a few 
manoeuvers, the officers were called up, some instructions given, 
and the regiment dismissed in regular form. On the way 
from the parade ground the colonel congratulated me on my 
success, and said he was glad to find I had studied the regu- 
lations. He seems to be a most unaffected, amiable, and 
matter-of-fact man, with an eye that glitters and looks you 
through and through. On the 5th of November we received 
arms, Enfield muskets ; and sent out invitations to our friends, 
and those of the regiment, to join us in a celebration on the 
7th inst, in honor of the presentation of colors to the regi- 
ment, by the City of New York. We made great preparations 
for this event, including a special railway train from the ferry 
to camp, and it proved to be a great success. Many distin- 
guished people were present, among them Quartermaster-Gen- 
eral Arthur, the personal friend of the colonel. There was 
a capital lunch, with all the champagne they could drink. I 
was disappointed in not seeing some of my dear friends pres- 
ent, but finding in the captain's daughter a very beautiful and 
charming girl about seventeen, a kindred spirit, was soon lost 
in a desperate flirtation. Late in the afternoon, the whole 
body of officers, accompanied their guests to the railway sta- 
tion, and sent them off with vociferous cheers. The colors 
were very handsome : from the city, a large blue silk, gold 
fringed, and embroidered flag, with the arms of the city, two 
blue silk guidons also embroidered and fringed, and a plain 
United States flag, from the Government. 

The day after the reception, orders were issued to prepare 
to start for the seat of war on the 12th, and immediately 
all became bustle and confusion. This time we were not 
going on a picnic excursion for three months, but for years, 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 49 

if necessary, and it seemed a very serious affair. I went home 
for a last visit in the afternoon, and remained all night, dressed 
very finely in full uniform, and enjoyed an informal reception, 
when I met almost every one I knew. 

Early on the morning of the 12th, the regiment paraded 
for inspection, when everything not allowed by the regula- 
tions was thrown out, much to the chagrin of the men. After 
dinner the regiment marched out of camp, with prolonged 
and hearty cheers for Camp Lafayette, the landlord and his 
family, and for every one else who happened to be about, 
headed for the Staten Island Ferry, whence it was transferred 
by the steamer Kill von Kull direct to Amboy, New Jersey, 
where soon after our arrival, a train of baggage and emigrant 
cars backed down the track of the Camden and Amboy Rail- 
road, and the regiment entrained promptly, and was soon en 
route for the capitol. We received some attention from the 
crowd, but now war is getting to be a regular business, and 
new regiments are leaving for the front every day, so we re- 
ceived the applause of only those who chanced to be in the 
neighborhood at the time. I felt very different to what I 
did in April. The regiment looked well, was fully armed, 
clothed and equipped, and officered, for the most part, by as 
fine a body of gentlemen as ever exchanged a civil for a mili- 
tary life. We were especially fortunate in having many of- 
ficers tboroughly well up in tactics, and having in the ranks 
over a hundred old soldiers, who had served in the regular 
army of either the United States or Great Britain. All who 
know anything of the service will appreciate the advantage of 
having these old soldiers to instruct the recruits in the many 
details that can never be learned theoretically. 

At eight a. m. November 13th we reached Philadelphia, 
the entire regiment leaving the train to partake of coffee and 
sandwiches in the immense sheds adjacent to the depot, con- 
tributed by the noble generosity of the ladies of that city. 
The coffee was good, and the sandwiches too, served by volun- 
teers in the nicest manner. We learned that not to us alone 
was their bounty extended, but to every regiment passing 
through the city on the way to the front. How great an under- 
taking this was may be imagined, as night and day, one con- 
tinuous and uninterrupted stream of troops flowed through the 
city for weeks and months. 



50 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

As we marched out of the sheds back to the train, we gave 
a hearty cheer for our benefactors, and continued our journey, 
much improved in condition. After sundry mishaps and 
delay, we arrived late in Washington, on Thursday morning, 
the 14th, when we marched to Camp Wilder on the Bladens- 
burg turnpike, a couple of miles out of town. Here we were 
assigned to a provisional brigade commanded by Brigadier- 
General Casey, of tactics fame, for the purpose of discipline 
and instruction, and settled down to solid, hard work, drilling 
by squads, company, battalion, and brigade, every fine day, 
while study and instruction in tactics, army regulations, mili- 
tary usages and administration took up most of the evenings ; 
few leaves to visit town were granted, and so we made much 
progress in our new career. 

While thus at work we found time to become an fait once 
again with the general situation of the war, which had been 
completely lost sight of, while organizing the regiment at 
home. The most conspicuous object that confronted us was 
the immense number of camps within sight, everywhere were 
regiments of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, all doing just 
what we were doing. The difference between the first collec- 
tion of militia, and these troops was remarkable. The first 
army had that unmistakable summer militia encampment ap- 
pearance, with its great variety of fancy uniforms, made for 
show and not for service. Familiarity of officers and men, 
and an utter lack of military bearing. The streets and hotels 
of Washington, in the early spring days, were filled with men 
in uniform, officers and enlisted men promiscuously together, 
all bent upon having a jolly time. 

Everything is now changed to a sober, steady reality ; few 
men or officers are granted leave ; all wear the same uniform, 
and begin to look as though they had never worn anything 
else. Officers are not permitted, if they desire, to associate 
with enlisted men in public ; not but what many of the enlisted 
men are the equals of many of the commissioned officers, but 
that discipline cannot be preserved, if the officer does not hold 
himself aloof. 

Since the expiration of the three months' regiment service, 
new troops have been pouring into this place daily, until they 
number now over one hundred and eighty thousand men, with 
two hundred and forty-eight guns. General McClellan sue- 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 51 

ceeded General McDowell, and is in supreme command of 
the troops and the defences of Washington ; and has already- 
reduced this chaotic mass of men into something like an or- 
ganization. Prior to his assumption of control, the troops 
occupying the defences of Washington had little or no relation 
to each other. Commanders of forts refused to obey any 
orders but those of the commander-in-chief. Colonels were 
independent, and of the troops holding the line of works sur- 
rounding the capitol, there was none to assume general charge. 
This dangerous state of things exists no longer; regiments 
are brigaded, and brigades formed into divisions, the tactical 
unit at present, and so are easily controlled and directed from 
the general headquarters. 

The system of organization now requires all troops freshly 
arriving, to go into camps of instruction on this side of the 
river. Here they are inspected, and any deficiency in appoint- 
ments and equipment made good, their instruction and disci- 
pline attended to, and as soon as they are thought to be efficient, 
they are sent across the Potomac and permanently assigned to 
brigades in the new army of the Potomac, where instruction 
in permanent camps, continues night and day, and where they 
have a chance to become acquainted with the commander, 
and the other regiments of the brigade. 

It is not proposed to move until this army has become 
thoroughly drilled and disciplined, so whenever it does move, 
great things may be expected of it. It is a magnificent mili- 
tary school, where we can't help but learn everything worth 
knowing in the art of war. 

Amongst other things, the men of the regiments have to 
do all their own cooking, which is an entirely new experience 
for them. Every company details two or more men perma- 
nently for this duty, and it is expected they will soon be able 
to serve the men with palatable and well cooked food. The 
rations are liberal, and of sufficient variety to secure more 
than good health ; abundance of good food tends to good 
morals and discipline, and so, from this point of view we are 
very lucky. 

Occasionally some of the officers from the Virginia side 
come over to see us. They speak with enthusiasm of their 
canvas quarters and log huts, and say they are fast becoming 
a splendid army, everybody in the best of spirits, studying 



52 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

and working night and day, to make themselves as useful 
as possible. 

The artillery service is receiving especial attention. At 
Bull Run I understand we had only nine batteries ; to-day we 
have ninety-two batteries ready for service, thanks to the 
energy of General W. F. Barry, who is chief of artillery. The 
few engineers of the old army have been supplemented by two 
New York regiments, the Fifteenth and Twentieth, which as 
engineer troops are probably equal to any, as there is not a 
man in the ranks who is not a trained mechanic, and all the 
officers are engineers. A pontoon train and bridges are under 
construction, so that we shall be prepared for every emergency. 
General Stoneman is in command of the cavalry and that 
branch of the service is quite as active as the others. Most 
of these regiments come from the West, I notice, but there 
are a few from New York and Pennsylvania. 

I got some idea while on this side of the river of the mag- 
nitude of the works, built and building, to protect the capital : 
the line is thirty-three miles in extent, completely enclosing 
the city. Many immense forts and enclosed redoubts are on 
the line, some of them beautifully finished ; they are so for- 
midable as a whole, there is little danger that they can ever 
be taken ; the troops have built most of them, and are still at 
work, so the men are learning the art of fortification, as well 
as tactics. General Barnard is the chief engineer in charge of 
fortifications. 

The prediction is made here that the army of the Potomac 
will be ready to take the field by January, but on account of 
the poor roads in Virginia, it is not likely that a movement 
will be made until early spring. If this is the case, and the 
army has the whole winter for instructions we shall be the 
equal of any regular army known. What a splendid oppor- 
tunity it will be for McClellan, who is only thirty-four years 
old, with immortality almost within his grasp: we are led to 
believe he is a great man, but most of us discount the ridicu- 
lous panegyrics that the daily papers are loaded up with every 
day. Outside of the fact that the general is an excellent or- 
ganizer, nothing else is known of his abilities in the field, as 
he has never had any experience on such a scale, and cannot 
know himself what he will do. That he will have a formidable, 
well drilled, disciplined, and willing army, is certain. All 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER S3 

else, the future alone can determine. The general is a grad- 
uate of the military academy, was a lieutenant of engineers, 
and served as such in the Mexican War, 1846-47. He was in 
the Crimea in 1855, observing the operation of the Siege of 
Sebastopol, on the part of the United States. More recently, 
he has been engagel in civil life as a railroad man, until the 
opening of the rebellion. He is rather small, but solid, and 
seems to have plenty of good sense. He has the good will 
of the whole country, and a glorius opportunity for writing 
his name indelibly on the pages of his country's history. 



CHAPTER VI 



LIFE AT CAMP CALIFORNIA 



December 7, 1861. 

ON the 25th of November General Casey was relieved 
from the command of the provisional brigade, and Col- 
onel Zook as senior colonel present for duty, assumed 
command in his stead. Fiske was made temporary assistant 
adjutant-general, and I was detailed as acting adjutant of the 
regiment, much to my satisfaction. Hard work was the lot 
of all of us in this camp, for drills and inspection were con- 
tinually the order of the day ; we are so far advanced now 
that our evening dress parade is quite worth seeing, and many 
people from Washington come out every evening to have a 
look at us. Our battalion drills are the most fascinating, for 
the colonel is completely an fait in the manceuvering of the 
regiment. I think he knows by heart every word of the book 
of tactics. We had a grand review of all the troops near us 
the other day, before Casey left, and I found myself in com- 
mand of a division, two hundred strong, which was the first 
time I ever enjoyed so much distinction. What a glorious 
thing it seemed, to be in command of so many men, bravely 
marching in front of them, with bands playing, colors flying, 
and crowds of people admiring and cheering ; how proudly 
we marched, and how thoroughly satisfied with ourselves 
we were. 

We hear little of the enemy, which is strange, and that 
little we get through the columns of the New York papers 
mostly. Their lines are close up, in sight of Washington, and 
have been, since the disastrous Bull Run campaign, Monson's 
Hill is their advanced post, and is in full view of some of 
our works, and their flag flies defiantly without molestation. 
The Potomac is held by the rebels from below Alexandria to 
the Chesapeake bay. They have batteries all along the river, 
in many places torpedos planted, and navigation is completely 
closed, except that an occasional gunboat of ours goes down 
the river, and stirs them up a little, but no effort is made as 

54 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 55 

yet to drive them away. In fact, we are not ready, and al- 
though the papers are getting very restless, because of our 
delay in moving upon the enemy, we shall not do so till we are 
fully prepared. 

Zook's command of the provisional brigade did not last 
long; on the 27th, we received orders No. 31 from head- 
quarters, Army of the Potomac, directing the regiment to 
march into Virginia and report to General Sumner, at Camp 
California, situated between two and three miles from Alexan- 
dria, along the Fairfax turnpike, close to the Orange and 
Alexandria Railroad ; the other regiments of the provisional 
brigade were also ordered over and Zook, as senior officer, 
took command ; the next morning, November 28th, we crossed 
the long bridge again, just as the Seventy-first did in July last, 
and like them again, sang, "I wish I was in Dixie." It was 
not so exhilarating to me, heading again for the Virginia mud 
and pine forests, as it was to the others probably, who had not 
been there before, but we made a very gay appearance on the 
whole, with all the men in fine spirits. After crossing the 
bridge, we were left to find our way without maps or guides, 
and as every vestige of a road had long since been obliterated 
by the general practice of selecting the shortest distance be- 
tween any two points, irrespective of roads ; we soon lost our 
reckoning. It had been raining almost all day, and towards 
evening it poured in torrents ; the roads were villainous, but 
at length we reached a place called Benton's tavern, foot sore 
and weary and here learned that we were away in advance of 
our destination, and only separated from the enemy by a line 
of videttes. The men being tired out, and the day almost 
gone, the colonel decided to bivouac for the night, so we 
turned into the fields near a brick yard, and by the liberal 
use of pine brush, made ourselves not comfortable, but some- 
thing better off than being entirely exposed. At reveille the 
next morning we were a sorry looking lot, covered with mud, 
wet, cold, and stiff, every bit of our pride gone, and our gold 
lace without attraction. Campaigning in November, without 
tents, is not very comfortable at any time, or under any con- 
ditions, but to new soldiers, in rainy weather, the difficulties 
are immense. I had learned something about bivouacking, in 
the Bull Run campaign, and found that experience very useful 
now. After a cup of coffee made from the extract of that 



56 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

article, which Fiske luckily had with him, I soon felt as well 
as usual, but not so the colonel ; a victim of rheumatism, he 
found himself quite unable to walk. About an hour after 
reveille a mounted orderly from General Sumner's head- 
quarters arrived to conduct us to our camp, and within two 
hours we arrived at Camp California, just under shelter of 
the guns of Forth Worth. Staff officers were on hand who 
showed the colonel where to form line of battle on the road, 
and march forward to the crest of a series of small hills, a 
few hundred yards in advance. This being done, the line 
was dressed, arms stacked, and the troops dismissed, and 
immediately set to work erecting tents and laying out a camp, 
the material for which, in the shape of "A" tents and boards 
for floors, was already on the ground. The location was nor 
very promising for a permanent residence, the two left com- 
panies being on low, wet ground, subject to submersion dur- 
ing heavy rains, and separated from the rest of the regiment 
by quite a stream of water; yet the colonel was unsuccessful 
in getting permission from Sumner to move them in the least 
particular, and the two unfortunate companies were obliged 
to raise their streets, much as the Dutch raised their banks 
and streets in Holland. Notwithstanding the weather and our 
inexperience, before night the men were comfortably quar- 
tered in "A" tents, and the officers in wall tents, and so our 
first winter quarters as real soldiers were established. 

We formed a brigade under command of Brigadier-Gen- 
eral W. H. French, encamped from right to left as follows: 
the Fifty-second New York, Colonel Frank; Fifty-seventh 
New York, Colonel Zook; Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers, Colonel Brooke, and Sixty-sixth New York, Colonel 
Pinckney. In the centre of our regiment's camp stands a fine 
old tree, and beneath its branches flows a splendid stream of 
pure, cold water, sufficient for the use of the entire regiment, 
which proved a great luxury. Brigade headquarters, con- 
sisting of five picturesque Sibley tents, is across the road, on 
a little eminence in the rear of the Fifty-third ; an old mill 
being used as an office, on the north side of a small stream 
near by, which runs directly in front of our line, affording 
good facilities for the soldiers' washing day. Division head- 
quarters is in a house immediately on the right of the Fifty- 
second, the general and staff however, sleeping in tents erected 




Captain C. B. Curtiss, 
57th N. Y. Infantry. 

Captain Pettit, 

1st N. Y. Artillery. 



Captain James C. Bronson, 

57th N. Y. Infantry. 

Captain James G. Derrickson, 

Ordnance Officer, Division Staff. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 57 

in the front yard, General Sumner, having constitutional ob- 
jections to officers of his command sleeping in houses when 
tents are to be had. 

As soon as the boundaries of the camp were established, 
sentinels were posted to keep the men in ; and no officer, or 
enlisted man, was allowed outside the limits of the regimental 
camp without a pass from the colonel. The following day, 
when General French assumed command, he issued orders 
prohibiting any officer from going to Alexandria or Wash- 
ington, without his permission. As a matter of fact, no officer 
or enlisted man can get into either place without a proper 
pass, or once in, cannot get out again, and no authority less 
than the commander of a fort, or brigade, is recognized. A 
few days after the formation of the brigade, General French 
appointed our adjutant, Fiske, upon his staff as acting assist- 
ant adjutant general, and Colonel Zook detailed me as acting 
adjutant of the regiment, in his place, and I moved my quar- 
ters immediately from the company street into a double wall 
tent, just in front of the colonel's tent, using the front part 
for an office, and the rear for private use. 

The duties are very arduous, requiring both officers and 
men to work early and late ; the officers are obliged to study, 
and attend recitations before the colonel several times a week. 
My duties are immense. The adjutant is expected to know 
everything, and is obliged to give opinions on every conceiv- 
able question, and in consequence, I have to study the army 
regulations both early and late; naturally I am tolerably 
familiar with them already, and rapidly becoming an expert. 
But this is not all; we are flooded with orders from army 
headquarters, the War Department, division and brigade 
headquarters, on every conceivable subject, and it is my duty 
to read these important orders to the regiment after dress 
parade, and to remember their contents, and see that they are 
carried out; truly the life of an adjutant in this camp is one 
of extreme hard work and anxiety, but it has its pleasures, too. 

As we are to remain here all winter, drilling and training, 
the regiment is exerting itself to make things comfortable; 
our beds are formed of poles laid on crotches, driven into the 
ground, then strewn with cedar branches, over which are 
spread our blankets, and so, raised from the ground, we are 
extremely comfortable. In almost every officer's tent is a 



58 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

little sheet iron stove, answering the double purpose of heating 
the tent and cooking the food ; they work well enough in nice 
weather, but when wanted most, when it is cold and the wind 
blows, they are a regular fraud, the smoke invariably coming 
out at the door, instead of going out of the chimney. We 
have patent folding tables, chairs, and mess boxes, in endless 
variety. 

One of the most important matters in campaigning, to en- 
sure the comfort of an officer, is a capable man servant ; he 
ought to be a soldier first, then agreeable, good looking, sober 
and honest, competent to wash, mend, and keep in order your 
entire wardrobe, cook, in case of an emergency, keep your 
arms and accoutrements in good condition, and above and 
beyond all, good natured, and full of resources. A man fit- 
ting this description luckily fell to my lot immediately after I 
was appointed acting adjutant; he belonged to Company F, 
Captain McKay, and his name was Seth Raymond ; his 
superior was not to be found in the army, and as he became 
my second self I will describe his appearance. He was five 
feet eight inches in height, straight as an arrow, and formed 
like an Apollo ; a fine head, and extraordinary face, straight, 
prominent nose, gray, expressive eyes, high forehead, and 
squarish chin ; he wore a fine, stiff moustache, and hair closely 
cropped, both tinged with gray, not on account of age, but 
previous condition. He wore the regulation uniform, except 
the cap, in place of which he always wore a red fez, with long 
blue silken tassels ; he was never without spotless white gaiters, 
that confined his trousers over his shoes, and was every inch 
a soldier, in his walk, dress, and actions. He first came to 
me as adjutant's clerk, being a beautiful writer, but begged to 
be taken as servant instead, and as I liked him from the first, 
we struck a bargain, and henceforth he was always known as 
my man. 

At first, the regimental officers messed separately, gen- 
erally two or more clubbing together for this purpose, eating 
in their tents. I commenced by messing alone, Seth doing the 
cooking on the little stove that heated the tent, but the result 
was a dead failure ; I sat and watched the operation of frying 
a miserable slice of beef, or pork, inhaling the fumes and 
smoke, until by the time it was ready, my appetite was entirely 
gone ; shortly after I was appointed adjutant, the colonel came 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 59 

to the rescue, and invited me to join his mess ; here was a 
regular cook, a master of his art, a complete mess chest, large 
enough for a dozen, and we lived like Christians. 

The change was most agreeable. Besides the variety and 
excellency of the food, the meals were served regularly, so 
that whereas formerly eating was a burden, now it became a 
genuine pleasure, bringing with it a pleasant social inter- 
course that added greatly to the pleasure of camp life. The 
colonel, Major Parisen, Quartermaster McKibbon, Doctor 
McKim, and myself, constituted the mess. At the end of 
every month the cook produced his list of expenditures, 
which was divided equally, averaging about thirty dollars 
apiece. 

The colonel was exceedingly agreeable, and Parisen, and 
McKim too, very jovial, and so we became a very happy fam- 
ily in a short time. We now settled down to business in 
earnest. General Sumner is one of the greatest martinets in 
the army, known in the old army as the bull in the china shop, 
and General French, our brigade commander, was before his 
promotion a major of artillery, enjoying the reputation of a 
great tactician, so that we have capable instructors, and are 
sure to make rapid progress in soldiering. Every morning 
we have squad, platoon, and company drills ; in the afternoon, 
battalion, or brigade drills ; bayonet exercise, skirmish drill, 
and firing at targets sometimes. Of course we have a dress 
parade every evening, which is very pretty, every regiment of 
the brigade being in line at the same time. Just before the 
regiment is dismissed I step to the front, and after giving the 
command, attention to orders, read aloud, so that the whole 
regiment can hear, the various orders which have accumulated 
during the day. It is surprising how much business is in- 
volved in running a regiment properly. The first thing in 
the morning is the morning report, showing the complete state 
of the regiment, number present, absent, sick, or otherwise, 
and give particulars in each case ; this must be taken in person 
by the adjutant to brigade headquarters at nine o'clock; from 
these reports, the adjutant of the brigade consolidates the 
figures, and sends them to division headquarters, so that by 
half past nine o'clock General Sumner always knows the exact 
state of his command. Then we have various other reports to 
make; to the Secretary of War, the Quartermaster Depart- 



6o DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

ment, Ordnance Department, etc., so that all my time when 
not drilling with the regiment is occupied superintending this 
kind of work. I have an excellent clerk, permanently de- 
tailed, who does most of the writing, and so with the assist- 
ance of the very capable sergeant-mayor Brewster, we manage 
to keep the business of the office well in hand. After dress 
parade, our time is our own, as a rule, and generally we go 
for a ride amongst the various camps ; of course we are only 
one division amongst many; the hills and country, as far as 
the eye can reach being everywhere dotted with white tents, 
all occupied by troops, hard at work, just as we are. Owing 
to our two distinguished commanding officers, Sumner and 
French, we enjoy the special reputation of excellency in dis- 
cipline, and judging from what I can see, I think justly so. 

Our first division general orders gave the daily routine : 
Reveille at 5 a. m., half an hour later, regiments assemble on 
the color line, fully armed and equipped, roll call by sergeants, 
all company officers required to be present, after which all 
officers to report to the adjutant the number of men and offi- 
cers present at roll call. Reveille sounds long before daylight, 
and so we call the roll by means of lighted candles, stuck 
in the muzzles of the sergeants' guns ; upon a cold, windy 
snowy morning, this early parade is much more picturesque 
than comfortable. After roll call the companies are marched 
back to their company streets, and dismissed, the officers 
usually turning in again, to finish their night's sleep. 

It seems to most of us that this early roll call is responsible 
for lots of the sickness there is in camp; typhoid, malaria, 
and measles are the prevailing troubles, and many men have 
already fallen victims. Sumner thinks, however, it is a mili- 
tary necessity, and so we are obliged to keep it up. 

On the tenth of December the colonel received a letter from 
the adjutant general of the state, stating that I had been 
appointed first lieutenant and adjutant of the regiment and 
would be commissioned as such just as soon as he would furn- 
ish the date of Fiske's appointment as assistant adjutant gener- 
al of volunteers. I feel very proud of this appointment, and of 
the colonel's good opinion. It is only about three months 
since I joined the regiment, unknown to every officer in it, 
and now enjoy the distinction of holding the most sought for 
subaltern position in it. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 61 

What a delightful prospect ahead, to think of riding, in- 
stead of marching. My feet are not good enough for tramp- 
ing, and after every march I have been partially disabled ; 
from this time hence, I hope to ride, but as we have not been 
paid yet, I shall have to wait awhile before I can buy a horse ; 
in the meantime McKibben, our good natured quartermaster, 
is furnishing me with an animal that requires infinite skill 
to ride ; he is a constitutional kicker, and don't like any one 
on his back, so I have the opportunity of exercising an animal 
that requires a good deal of skill to manage, all of which will 
be useful to me I hope. 

On Christmas day the camp was en fete; in the morning, 
we had a full dress review and inspection ; and were then dis- 
missed for the day, only the guard being on duty. Most of 
the officers went to Alexandria ; the others dispersed amongst 
their friends in other commands, every one in search of 
amusement. I remained in camp to dinner, and had a very 
good one, with enough of liquid refreshment to properly 
digest it. In the afternoon, the major and I rode out towards 
Edsals Hill, some five miles distance on the railroad, where 
our division picket line was established ; up to this time our 
regiment had not been on picket duty, and were eager to get 
out to the front, to have a possible glimpse of the enemy ; it 
is now under orders for this duty, for a tour of four days, 
and so we rode out to examine the ground beforehand. The 
road was bad, and the country desolate and impoverished, but 
the ride did us good, and we returned to camp in the best of 
spirits. 

The following morning the regiment turned out, six 
hundred strong, fully equipped, blankets rolled, and supplied 
with forty rounds of ammunition, and four days' cooked 
rations ; marching immediately after breakfast for the picket 
line, Parisen in command. I rode for the first time at the head 
of the regiment, and found it a very great improvement to 
trudging on foot. When we arrived on the ground the 
regiment formed in line, and details were made for reserves 
and picket post when we proceeded to relieve the withdrawing 
regiment, which was drawn up in line to receive us ; taking 
our instructions from the old guard, we soon prepared the 
details, and I was ordered to go out and relieve the pickets, 
which proved most fascinating; for the first time, we formed 



62 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

the fringe of the army, and were to be its eyes and ears. All 
in front of us was an unknown region, with rare opportunities 
for adventure, and the men as well as officers, seemed de- 
lighted at the change ; after relieving all the posts, drawing a 
plan, and marking the picket posts down on it, I returned to 
the reserve headquarters, meeting on the way the major, at 
an old log house, chatting away with an old woman and a 
pretty young girl. They told us all about the country ; that 
the Johnnies picketed the same position, some time ago ; 
visited them every day asking similar questions, and equally 
interested in getting news of our doings ; they were reticent, 
and did not tell us anything of consequence, but the girl 
enjoyed being talked to and we were nothing loth to ac- 
commodate her. Notwithstanding it rained the first day and 
night very heavily, we managed to keep moderately dry; the 
men in little brush shelters, packed so closely, and stood up 
at such an acute angle that the rain ran down, without going 
through. We used a dilapidated old log cabin for head- 
quarters, which, as it had a large fire place, was quite comfort- 
able. In the evening, all hands sat around the blazing fire, 
told stories, and smoked our pipes ; later on, arranging our 
saddles for pillows on the floor, we lay down, and slept toler- 
ably well ; being on grand guard duty, of course we did not 
take off our clothes, or arms, and on this account did not sleep 
very soundly. The following morning we started on a scout- 
ing expedition as far as Burk's Station. We got together all 
the officers and men we could mount, with two full companies 
of infantry, under La Valley; the weather had become clear, 
cold, and bright, and we started about ten o'clock, in fine form, 
the officers riding ahead, pretty well deployed, the infantry 
following, along the railroad track ; we had a glorious gallop, 
keeping our eyes open for the sight of a gray back. When 
we approached a house we completely encircled it, cocked our 
pistols, and rode up together; then two or three dismounted, 
and went in whilst the others kept watch ; in this way we 
visited every house within our line of march, in order to sat- 
isfy ourselves there was no one there belonging to the other 
side ; our interviews with the feminine housekeepers, who 
were not the least afraid, were sometimes very amusing; they 
had no hesitation in pitching into us, and calling us all sorts of 
hard names, but we took it good naturedly, and quite enjoyed 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 63 

their frankness ; they told us, among other things, that the 
rebels frequently came out on just such expeditions as we 
were on and with similar objects in view, and some of them, 
were good enough to wish we might meet them and get 
captured. In fact we wanted to meet some of them, and have 
a little skirmish, but went quite up to the station without meet- 
ing any one whatever. There we found a couple of large 
houses, and a deserted camp of log huts, accomodations for a 
brigade. While looking over these splendidly built huts, we 
got a glimpse of the rebels pickets, several men and a couple 
of small fires being in sight. The men were greatly pleased 
at seeing a real enemy, but did not molest them. In one of 
the large houses we found a very old, blind gentleman, and 
two young women, his daughters ; he mistook us for rebels, 
and made himself very agreeable, bringing out milk and pies, 
and inviting us to help ourselves. By the time his good things 
were despatched, La Valley with his blue coated infantry came 
up, and gave us away. The old man was greatly chagrined, 
but did not say anything. After quite a stay to rest the men 
and horses, we bid our host good bye, promising to call again 
soon. Leaving La Valley to return by the road, we put spurs 
to our horses, and enjoyed a magnificent gallop across the 
country, reaching the picket reserve on Edson Hill about dusk, 
much pleased with our first experience of scouting. At the 
end of the four days, we were in turn relieved, and marched 
back to camp. 

January 20, 1862. 
The papers north are all anxiety to have McClellan 
march upon the enemy, and so we shall probably have to turn 
out of this pleasant camp before long. Already preparations 
for campaigning are being made, by clearing out a lot of 
superfluous stuff that the men have loaded themselves down 
with ; it is wonderful what a lot of accumulations soon gather 
in a camp, and how difficult it is to get rid of it. In order to 
be ready for moving, I bought a horse the other day from 
Bell's friend, Lieutenant Bailey, quartermaster Lincoln Cav- 
alry; a dapple gray, fifteen hands, six years old, very hand- 
some, and a good goer. I tried him at their camp, and fell in 
love with him at once ; Bailey mounted him, and showed off his 
jumping; he cleared the kitchen, ditches, and everything else 
in range in beautiful style, and looked like a deer. I paid one 



6 4 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

hundred and fifty dollars for him and bought also a saddle, 
bridle, halter, holster, and everything quite complete and 
necessary for the campaign. Seth took charge of him and 
thinks him the finest horse in the army. He is a fine goer, 
carries his head superbly, and I shall take great pride in rid- 
ing him. A few days after I bought him, I was ordered to 
report to brigade headquarters and to my surprise, Fiske 
notified me that he was going home on sick leave, and that the 
general at his suggestion, was going to detail me as acting 
adjutant-general of the brigade till he got back. Up to this 
time I had never spoken to a real general, and looked upon 
French as a fearful and wonderful being. He is magnificent 
in phisique ; and the beau ideal of an old soldier, stepping as 
though he owned the earth; always followed by an orderly, 
either on foot, or horseback, readv to answer his slightest call. 
He is a splendid horseman, and everything about him is 
magnificent. He has a peculiar habit of winking with both 
eyes which seems extremelv curious, and until you get used 
to it' vou are troubled to keep from laughing, which would be 
a dreadful thing. To this modern Hector, I was presented by 
Fiske. He received me very pleasantly, asked several ques- 
tions and then requested me to move over in the morning 
with 'my belongings, and assume the duties of adjutant gener- 
al I returned to regimental headquarters as proud as 
d'Artagnan and reported to the colonel the result of my inter- 
view *The colonel was proud of his adjutant being selected 
in preference to any other, and congratulated me on having 
been called upon for this duty. Seth is mighty conceited about 
the change from regiment to brigade headquarters, and feels 
the promotion quite as much as I ; he looks more dignified 
than ever, and says confidenctlv, that it is only a question of 
time when we shall go on the staff of the commander-in-chief. 







I 


'■• ■.*** 


< 


-*- 

- 


1 m 













Major-General E. V. Sumner, U. S. A. 



CHAPTER VII 

CAMP CALIFORNIA AND MANASSAS CAMPAIGN 

ON the 25th of January Major Potter reported to pay us 
for the first time, and we were all greatly delighted. So 
far, none of us had ever received a cent for his services, 
and most of us were penniless ; we made it very pleasant for 
the major at headquarters and he proved himself a jolly good 
fellow. It was now possible to square up all our accounts, 
settle our indebtedness, and lay in a stock of necessaries for 
the approaching campaign. The winter, up to this time, has 
been cold and disagreeable, with considerable snow, and very 
much rain ; as a result we have a good deal of typhoid malaria 
and measles. I have been down with a serious quinsy throat 
and pulled through with difficulty, Doctors McKim and Grant, 
our brigade surgeons, doing their utmost to bring me along. I 
am all over it now, and as strong as ever. We have got rid 
of the lieutenant colonel of the Fifty-seventh, who never 
served with us for some reason unknown. He resigned on the 
First of February and Major Parisen has succeeded to his 
rank, Captain Chapman, of company A, becomes major. 

The road between the camp and Alexandria, over which 
come all the supplies, takes the cake for pure unadulterated 
badness. It frequently requires twelve mules to pull a wagon 
through some of the bad places, and I have really felt some- 
times that horse and rider were about to end their career in an 
inglorious sea of mud. Alexandria is the Mecca for all officers 
and men who can possibly obtain a pass. It is a dilapidated 
old town, but now the streets are thronged with soldiers and 
army wagons, and almost every house with prostitutes. The 
shops are kept by Jews and almost everything for sale is for 
officers' use. Here are immense magazines of stores of every 
description, and the traffic between the troops is incessant. To 
me it is a most forlorn looking spot, and I am always glad to 
get away from it. 

Since the weather has improved somewhat, the scenes 
about us have become more exhilarating ; the air is full of 
martial music, troops are constantly in motion, cavalry regi- 

65 



66 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

ments coming in, or going out to the front, batteries at drill, 
and the ubiquitous infantryman everywhere, while the endless 
villages of little canvas houses cover the country in all direc- 
tions, as far as the eye can reach. The panorama is, in fact, 
one to warm a soldier's heart, and make a civilian die of envy. 
Almost every afternoon we take long rides, and have become 
acquainted with officers in all directions ; frequently we go out 
to the debatable ground, and enjoy the freedom of the open 
country, tinged with the slightest danger to sharpen our wits. 
On one of these occasions a very funny incident occurred. 
Major Parisen, myself, and half a dozen other mounted offi- 
cers were having a gallop which ended in a race ; as we flew 
over the ground, the road suddenly turned down quite a steep 
hill, but our speed was such that it was impossible to check it ; 
at the foot of the hill were a dozen or more cavalrymen, their 
horses backed up together, facing outwards, and every man 
with his revolver cocked and leveled at us ; as we rushed down 
the hillside we were making a great noise and laughter, or I 
expect they would have fired at us, thinking we were charging 
them ; we were agreeably surprised to find we all belonged to 
the same army ; if it had been otherwise our frolic might have 
ended disastrously. 

On one of these excursions we stopped at a large, deserted 
mansion, dismounted and went over the house. In one of the 
rooms I read, written on a pane of glass with a diamond, 
"Left dear old home June 25, 1861, to be occupied by soldiers. 
Jennie" Poor Jennie ; I am afraid she will be a stranger to her 
ancestral halls for many weary months. 

The general has got a new aide-de-camp, Plume, from one 
of the New Jersey regiments, and Willie, the general's son, has 
been commissioned second lieutenant in my regiment, and 
appointed aide-de-camp and now sports a uniform. On the 
Sixteenth of February we received an order to detail a lot of 
men for service on the western gunboats ; twenty-eight men 
responded to the circular for able-bodied boatmen, and the 
following day they were shipped to their new field of duty. 
Lately we have been drilling every afternoon by brigade, 
marching out into some large fields, a mile or two in advance 
of the camp. The general is superb on the drill ground, and 
handles the brigade with consummate skill. He keeps his staff 
flying over the ground in all directions, and to see us go one 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 67 

would think the welfare of the army depended upon us getting 
there. Occasionally he goes himself like a whirlwind across 
the field, followed by all his retinue, and looks like a true son 
of Mars. We think these drills superb ; the men get pretty 
well tired out, but all of us have learned much, and now it is 
easy to perform the most intricate movements. Since Willie's 
appointment he has quartered with me, and I like to have him 
in the tent. He is a singular genius, thin, tall, palefaced, al- 
most wholly without education ; having been born and brought 
up on the plains, he knows nothing of books, but is perfectly 
at home in everything belonging to a horse, and can ride any- 
thing with or without a saddle, and can do many difficult 
feats that we have never seen before ; he aquired this skill in 
riding Indian horses and mustangs on the plains when a small 
boy. 

On the eighth of March the camp was filled with rumors of 
the withdrawal of the enemy from Centreville and Manassas, 
and everything was in a state of excitement. The next 
morning the rumors were confirmed, and we received orders 
to prepare at once to march. Three days' cooked rations, 
sixty rounds of amunition, with blankets rolled, knapsacks, 
and all superflous clothing to be left behind, in charge of a 
sergeant and guard detailed for the purpose ; these were the 
instructions transmitted to every regimental commander, and 
the camps were in a confused state of preparation all day long. 
Very early on the morning of the tenth the regiments of the 
brigade formed on their color lines, and after a good deal of 
delay, filed out on the main road, and headed in the direction 
of the enemy, the general leading the way in fine shape. We 
marched all day, arriving near Fairfax court house towards 
evening, and bivouacked for the night. The following morn- 
ing the march was continued by Sangster Station to Union 
Mills, where we learned definitely that the rebel army had 
fallen back on Gordonsville, abandoning their winter quarters 
and works of Manassas. There was some hesitation about 
the future movements of the army for a while, but finally our 
division was ordered forward, and on the 13th we marched 
to within two miles of Manassas Junction, and occupied the 
rebel huts on the extensive plains. During the evening Gen- 
eral Stoneman, in command of a brigade of cavalry, came on 
the field, and announced to the general his intention of making 



68 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

a reconnoisance early in the morning, to find out exactly what 
had become of the rebel army. He asked the general to detail 
a regiment of infantry to support his command, and the Fifty- 
seventh, Colonel Zook, was at once ordered to report to him 
for that purpose. It commenced raining shortly after we left 
Camp California and continued, almost without interruption, 
to this time. 

From the number of log houses, field reports, newspapers, 
and private papers found in them, we are satisfied the enemy's 
strength has been greatly overestimated. These plains, so 
called, are an immense area of perfectly level fields, without a 
single tree or sign of any living thing about them. The sta- 
tion is in ruins, hospitals and houses all leveled to the ground. 
A few giant chimneys stand black and gaunt alone, as monu- 
ments of the ruin about us. Most of the piles of debris were 
still smoking, and the desolate, bleak surroundings reminded 
me of the picture of Smolensk, on the retreat of the Great 
Napoleon. The deluge of rain, added to the sombreness of the 
situation, induced many melancholy reflections. 

French is in command with two batteries of artillery and 
a regiment of cavalry added to our regular brigade, the re- 
mainder of the arnn- being somewhere in the rear. 

On the 14th the cavalry, accompanied by the Fifty-seventh, 
started along the Orange and Alexandria railroad to Cedar 
Run. They had a brush with the enemy's pickets in the even- 
ing near Cedar Run, driving them off the ground. On the 
15th the infantry advanced to Catlett's Station, where they ex- 
changed shots for the first time with the rebs. Two men were 
lost by the temporary bridges giving way, and I suppose they 
were picked up by the rebel cavalry. 

General Stoneman, finding out what every one believed, 
that the rebel army had wholly disappeared from our front, 
returned to camp, and the following day left us. He was very 
complimentary to Zook, and gave him the following note, 
written on the field note book of his adjutant. 

Headquarters cavalrv corps, Army of the Potomac, March 
16, 1862. 

Colonel Zook, Fifty-seventh New York Volunteers : Al- 
low me to return you and the officers of your fine regiment, 
my sincere thanks for the very handsome manner in which 
each and all performed the severe duty imposed upon them, 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 69 

and more particularly that portion employed upon scouts and 
advance guard. I shall take the first occasion to express my 
sentiments to the general commanding. Please express my 
sentiments to your command and much oblige. 

Yours Very Truly, 

Genl. Geo. Stoneman, 
Chief of cavalry, commanding. 
I occupied the rebel adjutant general's office, which was a 
large, long, log house, with a good fireplace in one end of it, 
shingle roof, and board door. The roof leaked a good deal, 
but otherwise the place was very comfortable. We found it 
strewn with reports, letters, and returns, and picked up a good 
deal of information from them. When General Stoneman ar- 
rived, he had with him two of McClellan's aides, the Count de 
Paris and Duke de Chartres ; upon his return to camp, gener- 
al French quartered the Count de Paris and General Stoneman 
with him, and turned over the Duke de Chartres to me, but 
before describing our guest I must mention my ride over the 
plains. Stoneman sent an orderly in advance to General 
French, asking him to provide a drove of beeves, for the sup- 
ply of his brigade, upon their arrival in camp. The general di- 
rected me to take an orderly and ride over to the commissary 
station some three or four miles in the rear, and direct him to 
provide the cattle. It was about four o'clock, and the rain 
poured down in torrents, flooding the level ground so that it 
took on more the appearance of a sea than dry land ; there be- 
ing no road nor anything whatever to indicate the route, we 
pointed in the proper direction at starting, and wrapped in rub- 
ber coats and leggings put spurs to our horses, and dashed in- 
to the sea of mud and water at the top of our horses' speed, 
and only drew rein at the hospitable tent of the commissary. 
Here we gave the necessary orders, fortified the inner man 
with copious libations of commissary, and buttoned up to 
the chin, headed back for the camp. It was nearly dark by 
this time, the wind dead ahead, and the rain coming down in 
perfect sheets. Nothing more melancholy or depressing than 
the appearance of things here can possibly be imagined. Near 
the commissary's quarters were the blackened remains of the 
burnt rebel stores, the guant skeleton chimneys, and the vast 
expanse of space now overshadowed by night. We started at 
a full gallop, but the wind and rain beat so dreadfully in our 



7 o DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

faces our coats were torn open, the horses swerved from 
their course, and we lost our bearings, so we gave our horses 
their heads, and at 7 p. m. they carried us into camp soaked to 
the skin, and pretty well used up. When I dismounted and 
went into the office, I found most of the brigade staff officers 
there, and sitting in front of the fire place, his feet up on the 
rounds of a camp chair, a small, delicate looking man, holding 
in front of him the daintiest little embroidered handkerchief, 
making a desperate effort to dry it. The size and style of the 
handkerchief, the uncomfortable looking position, and general 
wretchedness of the man, made me laugh outright, in which 
the rest of the crowd immediately joined. The duke, for it 
was he, did not catch on at first, and looked much astonished ; 
but finally laughed too, and it ended in a regular fit of laugh- 
ter; he certainly cut a ridiculous figure, the water running 
down his breeches, his hair bedraggled, the very picture of 
despair. After a good supper, we all became hilarious and 
had a jolly time, in which the duke joined. When we turned 
in, we took the large office table, pulled it in the centre of the 
room, where the roof was the tightest, and giving the duke 
the center, as many others piled on to it as it would hold, and 
all were soon asleep. 

The morning after the return of the cavalry, the weather 
cleared up and became magnificent, and the fields were soon 
fit for maneuvering. Nobody seemed to know what was going 
to happen, but from the fact that most of the army is far in 
rear of us, we concluded the enemy was retreating, and, it 
is suspected, towards Fredericksburg. General French, the 
second day after the storm, ordered a brigade drill with 
batteries, and the two squadrons of cavalry, and it proved 
a great and brilliant success, and was continued every day un- 
til we withdrew. We found a great deal of amusement 
wandering over the deserted rebel huts. Several dead bodies 
were found unburied, and many curious and interesting 
mementos. They were very comfortable here, but from the 
number of graves around what were the hospitals, think it 
must have been an unhealthy spot. 

On the 18th, the brigade was ordered to fall back two 
miles, but the following morning advanced again to its old 
position. We hear the army is falling back to Alexandria, 
and being sent to some other part of the country, so expect 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 71 

shortly to retire ourselves. General McClellan seems to have 
been very much surprised by the enemy's falling back from 
this point, and apparently has not yet determined what to do. 
To-day we received orders from headquarters announcing the 
remodeling of the organization of the Army of the Potomac. 
Up to this time the division has been the tactical unit, now it is 
to be a corps. The order is dated March 13, 1862, and divides 
the army into four corps ; our corps is the second, and Gen- 
eral Sumner is promoted to the command of it, and General 
Richardson to the division which is composed of three bri- 
gades : Brigadier-General O. O. Howard the first brigade, 
General Meagher the Irish brigade, and General French the 
third brigade. With our division are batteries B, First New 
York, Captain Pettit, G, First New York, Captain Frank, A, 
Captain Hogan, and batteries A and C, 4th United States artil- 
lery, Captain Hazzard, and Lieutenant Thomas. The present 
for duty in the division is said to be about eight thousand men. 

March ipth. We hear to-night that the army is embarking 
at Alexandria for Yorktown, on the peninsula, and that opera- 
tions against Richmond are to be carried on from that direc- 
tion. Our command is to remain here until tlv rest of the 
army get out of the way. We are told that the chan&« of base 
was decided upon on the 13th, at Fairfax Station, at a coun- 
cil of war, composed of corps commanders, and that the ad- 
vance to Manassas was only made in response to the Presi- 
dent's urgent demands that the army open the campaign. 

On the 25th, we marched to Warrenton Junction, meeting 
with no resistance, the cavalry alone doing a little skirmish- 
ing. Blenker's division of Germans marched with us, and ap- 
peared to be a bad lot of fellows, without order or discipline ; 
they spread all over the country, capturing everything within 
their reach. They loaded themselves down with pigs, chickens, 
turkeys, and whatever else suited their taste, deliberately 
shooting the pigs, sheep, etc., keeping up a regular fusilade. 
The officers seemed to have no control over their men. We 
have never seen anything like this before, and it reminds me 
forcibly of the Spanish and Portuguese troops during Well- 
ington's campaign in the peninsula. Foreign organizations, 
exclusively as such, seem to be a mistake in our army especi- 
ally if they are to be under no better control than this division 
of Blenker's. This advance to Warrenton has been a regular 



72 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

romance, brilliant weather, enemy running away, plenty to 
eat, and as we are now accustomed to sleeping in the open air, 
we all feel well, and enjoyed it immensely. We remained in 
and about Warrenton until the ist of April, having our head- 
quarters at a fine large mansion house, still occupied by the 
ladies of the family. We spent the evenings in the parlor, 
with the young women, who entertained us with rebel songs 
and music. They were very rebellious, but quite delighted 
with the attention they received from so many of us ; besides 
we stocked their larder, supplied them with coffee, tea, sugar, 
placed guards over their barns and stock, and in many other 
important respects, greatly benefited them. Nearly all the 
inhabitants had fled, those remaining being exclusively women 
and superannuated men. These Southern men, although heap- 
ing most outrageous abuse upon the Northern armies, seem to 
have no fear for their wives and daughters, whom they leave 
behind in charge of their property with apparent confidence, 
which proves that they do not really believe what they say 
about us. A little politeness on the part of these women in- 
variably brings safety to their fences, horses, and barns, and 
a full supply of coffee, sugar, and tea, which in the confeder- 
acy are already an expensive luxury. 

On April ist, we received instructions to return to our old 
winter quarters, Camp California, and about noon broke camp 
and marched to the rear, reaching Manassas the following 
day. We were just getting ready to march again when a 
long train of cattle cars arrived, and we put the troops on 
board forthwith. This was the first time we had traveled by 
cars since our arrival in Washington, and we took very kindly 
to this comfortable form of locomotion. We were soon on 
board and arrived at the camp about five p. m., found every- 
thing had been more or less disturbed, but were delighted to 
get back again to what seemed more like home to us now than 
any other place. 

The campaign just ended, although without results, (which 
is not the fault of the troops) has been most severe on both 
officers and men. It lasted just twenty-four days, during 
which time we were without a change of clothing of any kind, 
and without camp equipage, sleeping in the open air, except 
while in Manassas, and exposed to an unusual amount of 
rainy weather ; notwithstanding the exposure , the command, 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 73 

upon the whole, is in better condition physically than when it 
started out. The first luxury I enjoyed was a bath and gener- 
al good scrubbing; my old half barrel was quickly filled with 
water, and with Seth as master of ceremonies, I soon got rid 
of the twenty-four days' accumulation. Our underwear had to 
be thrown away as unfit for further use, and the rest of our 
clothing hung up for ventilation. Arrayed in clean clothes and 
clean skin, we speedily resumed our former smart appearance. 

The day following we received orders to prepare for ac- 
tive service immediately. Officers' baggage was limited to a 
small valise, and the men required to leave everything behind 
but the regulation kit. Brigade headquarters were limited to 
one wagon and three wall tents ; all the rest of the accumu- 
lated baggage and impedimenta were to be boxed and sent in 
charge of the regimental quartermaster to Alexandria, there to 
be stored in care of the quartermaster's department until 
further orders. Our twenty-four days' campaign had at least 
taught the men one important lesson, namely, to limit to the 
minimum their loads. The regulations required two pairs of 
socks, drawers, and undershirt, and one pair extra shoes and 
trousers. The men very cheerfully complied with the order, 
eliminating all their winter accumulation. In the evening the 
brigade was inspected by different officers of our staff, and 
every man's knapsack carefully investigated. The following 
morning, April 3d, the brigade formed on the old color line, 
and immediately afterwards withdrew. As the column 
countermarched gracefully by the right flank and withdrew to 
the main road, cheer after cheer rang out from lusty throats, 
in honor of the dear old spot we never expected to see again. 

Colonel Zook's official report of the reconnoissance to 
Cedar Run, under command of General Stoneman: 

Manassas Junction, March 18, 1862. 
Lieutenant J. M. Favile, A. A. A. General, 

Sir: On the 14th instant, about 9:30 a. m., this regiment 
marched with a brigade of cavalry, all under the command of 
Brigadier-General George Stoneman, via the Orange and 
Alexandria railroad to Cedar Run. The march was rendered 
somewhat tedious and difficult by having nothing better than 
the ruins of burnt bridges upon which to cross, at Broad and 
Kettle runs. 



74 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

At 6:30 p. m., we arrived at a point about a mile and a 
half east of Cedar Run, where the enemy had driven back a 
small force of the Sixth cavalry. General Stoneman, here or- 
dered me to send two companies to drive in their pickets. I 
ordered out Company A, Captain Chapman, on the south side 
of the road, and H., Captain Horner, on the north, under the 
command of Major Parisen. Advancing as skirmishers, they 
drove the enemy before them in the dark to the west end of 
the run. Here a portion of Captain Chapman's company, be- 
coming exposed by the light of some burning cars on the road, 
received a few shots from the enemy, which were promptly 
returned, but with what effect is not known, further than 
that the enemy retreated beyond the hills. 

About midnight Lieutenant Reid, of Company F, with 
twenty men, returned to the regiment. He had been sent for- 
ward with Lieutenant Brower, from the vicinity of Bristoe 
Station, in the morning. He reported having seen the enemy's 
scouts, at a distance, several times during the day. In the 
morning General Stoneman ordered the whole regiment for- 
ward to Catlett's Station. Two Companies, B, and I, under 
Throop and Lieutenant Mott, being deployed in advance as 
skirmishers, continued their march to the run. Shortly after 
Major Parisen was sent to asume command of them; they had 
arrived but a short time, when small parties of the enemy ap- 
peared on the opposite bank. 

The orders of the general prohibited firing except in reply 
to fire, but little time, however, was lost in consequence, for 
they soon commenced firing upon both companies. Their fire 
was promptly returned, two or three of their saddles being 
emptied. The general's object having been accomplished, the 
regiment retired, the skirmishers were drawn in as a rear 
guard, and the whole command marched to camp. The re- 
turn march was severe on account of incessant rain and bad 
condition of the roads. The difficulty in recrossing Broad and 
Kettle Runs was increased by the rapid rise of the water. At 
the former the ruins were swept away whilst two men yet re- 
mained to cross. There was no alternative but to leave them 
behind, but both have since come in. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

S. K. Zook, 
Colonel Commanding Fifty-seventh N. Y. 



CHAPTER VIII 

WE EMBARK AT ALEXANDRIA AND SAIL FOR FORTRESS MONROE, 

DISEMBARK AT SHIP POINT, SIEGE OF YORKTOWN AND 

ADVANCE TO WILLIAMSBURG 

UPON arriving at Alexandria we marched directly on 
board the transports, which were awaiting us, but lay at 
the dock until early the next morning, April 4th, when 
the steamer cast off her lines, and headed down the broad and 
beautiful Potomac. This was my second experience on board 
transports, and I could not help contrasting the difference in 
the situation, between a commissioned officer, and private 
soldier, wholly to the advantage of the former. 

The general and staff, had of course first choice of quar- 
ters, then the various officers in order of their rank. This is 
a situation where rank is especially useful, but there were ac- 
commodations for all, and everybody was satisfied. The sail 
to Fort Monroe was a delightful experience, especially to 
those of us who were fond of the sea the weather was per- 
fect, the ship roomy, and the company the best in the world. 
We sat or walked on the quarterdeck, smoked our pipes, 
talked over the prospects of the coming campaign, and listened 
to the music of the band. 

April 6th. Arrived towards evening off Fortress Monroe, 
and came to an anchor amidst an immense fleet of transports 
loaded down with troops. The following morning, the 7th, 
we weighed anchor, and with the fleet, steamed to Ship Point, 
on the northern side of the Peninsula, between the York and 
James rivers, ran in shore under easy headway until the vessels 
grounded, then let go the anchors, and prepared to land. 

There were no docks, nor any preparations made for land- 
ing in the regular way, and I was quite interested as to how 
the thing could be done ; the vessel being at least a hundred 
yards from shore, and, as our horses were on board, to an 
ordinary mind it did not seem an easy undertaking, but the 
steamer's people soon made a sort of floating foot path with 
boards, supported by empty barrels anchored at intervals, 

75 



76 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

which extended from the vessel to where the water was about 
two feet deep. The men were ordered to disembark over this 
indifferent pathway, and on reaching the end of the boards, 
jumped right into two feet of water and waded ashore. When 
the men were all off, the horses were stripped of their saddles, 
and bridles, backed to the edge of the deck, and shoved over- 
board, much to their disgust, but the plan worked famously, 
and on our boat there were no mishaps of any kind. Along- 
side of us were a number of vessels loaded with cattle, and 
they too, were unceremoniously dumped overboard in swarms, 
causing immense fun, many of the steers making very pointed 
objections to the operation; once overboard, they swam in a 
bee line for the shore, and were there collected and corralled. 

This place is a low sandy point, covered with scrub pines, 
and intersected with many creeks, which the men soon dis- 
covered to be filled with delicious oysters. There are only two 
houses in the neighborhood, apparently inaccessible without a 
boat to cross the creeks. Soon after we landed the brigade 
was ordered inland about a mile, and there bivouacked for the 
night. 

April 8th. This morning nearly all the brigade was de- 
tailed on fatigue duty to build docks, bridges and roads ; 
thousands of men are at work on the docks, as no artillery or 
stores can be landed until this is done. I rode over the coun- 
try in the afternoon, finding it barren and deserted ; saw two 
houses which were occupied by women only. Not a man here 
outside of our own army. 

April pth. Captain Fiske returned to-day from sick leave, 
and resumed his duties of adjutant general. The general, in 
relieving me, complimented me gracefully on the performance 
of my duties, and told me not to forget to call upon him. I re- 
turned to the regiment, and resumed the duties of regimental 
adjutant. Neither Seth nor I much relished the change, but 
made the best of it. 

This day the army was supplied, or at least our division, 
with shelter tents, the tent d'abri, of the French soldier, which 
is the greatest boon thus far granted the enlisted men. It is 
so very important, and necessary to health as well as comfort, 
that I wonder we have not had them sooner. Up to this 
time, the only shelter from the elements the men have had 
was such as pine or cedar branches afforded, and in conse- 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 77 

quence of the great amount of rain that has fallen they have 
all had a hard time of it, many giving way, and going back 
to the hospitals. Now they will always have their tents with 
them, ready for immediate use. They are simply small pieces 
of canvas seven feet by five, made to button together, every 
man carrying one piece. The operation of spreading them for 
use is very simple ; you take two sticks cut with crotches about 
three feet long, stick them into the ground, seven feet apart, 
and upon these lay a light ridge pole, then two men button 
their pieces together, throw it over the ridge pole, pull it 
tight and fasten it down to the ground with pegs, little loops 
being made in the shelter tent for that purpose, and the tent is 
complete. When this is done, spread a rubber blanket over 
the ground, carefully turning up the edges against the sides of 
the tent to keep the water out in case of rain ; make up the bed 
of blankets with knapsacks for pillows, and you may then 
creep in, and sleep as comfortably and securely, in ordinary 
weather, as in a full sized tent. When the march is resumed, 
the piece of tent is folded with the blankets, and all the rest 
abandoned. 

We received orders still further reducing officers' baggage, 
Regimental, field, and staff are not to have any wagons, but 
must put up with pack horses ; brigade headquarters get one 
wagon only, which will make General French wink worse than 
ever. The trains have been and still are much too large, and 
the order is important, and will add to the efficiency of the 
army. At present it takes about a third of the army to look 
out for wagon trains, and they monopolize the roads com- 
pletely. 

Over ten thousand men are at work building corduroy 
roads, the native roads being utterly impassable for artillery 
or wagons. They seem to be in many places nothing but 
quicksand, and the wagons go down almost out of sight ; the 
country is flat and without drainage, so the water stands in 
small lakes sometimes over a foot deep. These corduroy 
roads are substantial, but beastly things to ride over, the 
horses frequently getting their hoofs caught between the poles. 
Fatigue duty at present is about all the army has to do. The 
first duty I did with the regiment was to detail the bulk of it 
to work on the docks at Cheesman's Bay, which are already in 
such shape that vessels can land troops upon them, and by 



78 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

working night and day we hope to have them ready for horses 
and stores by to-morrow. I rode down to the dock in the even- 
ing to see how matters stood, and found the bay covered with 
almost every variety of vessel and transport under the sun. At 
least a dozen bands were playing, and our deserted sand beds 
and quiet waters of a day or two ago transformed into the 
bustle and confusion of an immense commercial port. 

We hear to-day that the rebels have taken position at York- 
town, and are fortifying a line across the peninsula upon the 
identical ground once occupied by Cornwallis and the British 
Army in 1781, and our first duty will be the siege of York- 
town ; and this is why so much dock building and corduroy 
road work is being done, as Ship Point is to be the base of 
supplies during the siege. We also got the glorious news of 
the battle of Corinth, and capture of Island No. 15, which put 
us in fine spirits, and made us anxious to deal a blow in this 
quarter. We are just beginning to hammer the confederacy 
now with our new weapons, and I think the country will not 
be disappointed in the result. 

April nth. After much rain, the weather has become fine, 
and to-day is perfect. All our energies are bent upon road 
building, while the troops still arriving are mostly sent to 
the front, to invest historic Yorktown. I have been unwell 
during the last two days, but got through with a good deal 
of work ; made field returns, and quarterly returns of deceased 
soldiers ; in the evening felt something better. 

April 1 2th. Another delightful morning: Continuous 
streams of troops still arriving and marching to the front. 
Stores and guns too, are landing now, and the siege train is 
getting ready for its terrible work. 

Detailed four hundred and fifty men for fatigue duty in 
the trenches before Yorktown, with Captain La Valley to com- 
mand them. They greatly enjoyed the change from road 
building to making forts, all hoping to get a view of the 
enemy. Enjoyed myself immensely to-day, having entirely 
recovered my health. In the afternoon, Major Parisen and I 
rode out to see the country, and on our way stopped at one 
of the two houses in the neighborhood. We found an old lady 
and a young one, who were both glad to have some one to talk 
to. The girl told us her lover was in the rebel army, as was 
every other young man belonging in that part of the country, 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 79 

and she hoped they would soon drive us all away. She seemed 
to have no doubt of their ability to do this, thinking them 
much better soldiers than we are. We gathered from what 
they said, that they have had communication with some of the 
rebels, their friends, since we landed, which would be an easy 
matter in this thickly wooded country at night. 

April 13th. Sunday morning. Awoke from an unusually 
refreshing sleep, jumped into the bath tub (another half bar- 
rel) and had a glorious wash, then dressed and went outside 
to enjoy the magnificent spring morning and sniff the balmy 
breeze. The weather is so fine now, it makes one impatient of 
this slow siege, but I suppose we can't hurry matters any more 
than we are doing. In the afternoon, the major and I rode 
out for an airing again ; the gray in splendid condition, full of 
life and anxious to jump every fence and ditch we came across. 
He is a magnificent little horse ; never tires, and is without a 
fault. I got a great bargain in him, surely. 

Heavy fatigue party under Captain Gott returned, and 
joined the regiment tonight. 

April 14th. Another fine morning. After an hour of or- 
derly room work, I took a long walk with Doctor McKim to 
the beach, where we were greatly interested in the disembarka- 
tion of troops, horses and big guns. We also met several of- 
ficers, from whom we got a good deal of gossip ; amongst 
other things it is said that if McClellan had pushed forward 
the troops as soon as they were landed, he might easily have 
taken Yorktown, and saved the tedious and expensive opera- 
tions of a regular siege. He is much criticised for his lack 
of dash and enterprise, and there are many who doubt al- 
ready his ability as a general commanding. 

It seems the enemy have established an irregular line ex- 
tending from the York to the James river, their left resting 
on Yorktown, and right on Mulberry Island, in rear of the 
river Warwick, which takes its rise about three miles from 
Yorktown and flows thence into the James. This rather 
small stream has been made a formidable barrier by means 
of dams, thus raising the water and making it unfordable. 
Its banks are swampy woods, impassable for guns and wagons, 
and so constitutes a formidable defensive work. Yorktown 
is on high rolling ground and capable of making a good de- 
fense with the works already built. It is strongly supported 



8o DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

as well as commanded by heavy forts at Gloucester on the 
opposite shore of the York river, whose guns, we are told, 
are powerful enough to prevent all the fleets of the United 
States from passing up the river. General Magruder, the 
rebel commander, had less than twenty thousand men when 
we first landed. As we had at least fifty to seventy-five thou- 
sand men the second day of our arrival, it is easy to see we 
could have entirely overwhelmed them if McClellan had 
been more enterprising. 

The army is posted as follows : Heintzlemen on the right. 
Sumner in the center, and Keys on the left. General Fitz 
John Porter is director of the siege, General Barry, chief of 
artillery, and General Barnard, chief of engineers. Lines 
of investment have been laid out, and much work done. 
Heavy mortars, some of them throwing a shell two feet in 
diameter ; siege Parrot guns and big howitzers are being 
mounted in batteries and will soon be ready to open fire. Our 
division, is in reserve and occupied almost exclusively in build- 
ing docks and roads, but the work is very nearly finished, and 
then we shall take our turn in the works. 

April 15th. This afternoon, Major Parisen and I rode 
over to the mouth of the inlet which is about two hundred 
yards wide, shallow, and full of oysters ; on the other side 
stood a large white house, and when we rode up there ap- 
peared to be several women walking about it. Being in 
search of adventure, we dismounted, gave our horses to the 
orderly, and bailed out an old boat we discovered sunk on 
the beach. Finding it all right, we paddled across and walked 
up to the house. Three women, two young and one old, 
received us at the door and gave us a hearty welcome. 
They were dreadfully nervous, fearing our men would raid 
their house and murder them. They were almost beside 
themselves with fear, telling us they had heard such dreadful 
tales of the Yankee soldiers, and that they went to bed every 
night, expecting to have their throats cut and house burned 
down before morning. We quieted their fears, in exhibiting 
ourselves as specimens of the terrible Yankee, and soon talked 
them into a better state of mind. We staid over an hour ; the 
girls were very sociable ; then promising to come again, rowed 
back in our muddy scow, taking with us a live duck and pail 
of milk, for which we duly paid, in Uncle Sam's currency. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 81 

The major carried the duck and I the milk ; both of us became 
disgusted with our burdens; the duck quacked and flapped 
its wings, scaring the horses out of their wits; the major's 
horse got away from the orderly and ran into the woods, and 
it took more than half an hour to recapture him ; the milk 
would not stay in the pail, and by the time we got home, 
there was little of it left, but we had lots of fun and intend 
repeating our visit. In the evening, the major called on 
General French, and explained to him the exposed situation 
of the women, resulting in the general's permission to establish 
a guard there for their protection. 

April 15th. Weather dull and looked like rain in the 
morning, but towards noon the clouds disappeared and the 
sun shone beautifully. Regiment still building roads and 
docks. At twelve o'clock, received orders to recall all fatigue 
parties and be prepared to march at a moment's notice. As 
the guard placed yesterday at the house across the creek 
where the ladies lived had to be withdrawn, the major and 
I thought we might as well do it ourselves, and so took a 
gallop to the creek and rowed ourselves over again. The 
women were dreadfully sorry to lose the guard and enter- 
tained us very pleasantly, urging us to call again, if we ever 
came back, which we promised to do. The rowing, or rather 
paddling, of that old boat gave me a lot of pleasure. I was 
almost Drought up on a boat and love the water dearly. At 
two p. m. we received orders to strike tents and move to the 
front. We marched about five miles, coming in sight of the 
Yorktown works, then turned into a field to the right, stacked 
arms, and awaited further orders. Just before dark, we were 
directed to pitch tents and form a regular camp. The regi- 
mental headquarters tent was soon up, and by eight o'clock 
we sat down around a pleasant camp fire and ate our supper 
of roast duck, the spoils of our creek adventure. The even- 
ing closed with much hilarity. 

April 16th. Had a fine night's sleep, due to the luxury 
of a soft bed Seth made for me, out of pine needles stripped 
ire .1 the branches ; glorious morning ; in fact, the weather is 
enchanting, although yet early spring. After breakfast, sat 
in the open air in my shirt sleeves at the desk, making various 
reports and official documents. At two p. m. the regiment 
was inspected in full marching order and subsequently en- 



8 a 



DIARY Ol 7 A YOUNC OFFICER 



gaged in battalion drill. Before the drill was over an aide 
rode up and directed the colonel to strike tents and be ready 
Id march at a moment's notice; within half an hour we were 
en route, with the rest of the brigade directly towards the 
front. We were greatly astonished to find the ground we 
marched over deserted, the immense number of troops thai 
were in front of us having disappeared. We marched into 
the batteries and earthworks, stacked arms, and pitched tents 
just iu rear of the works. A few shells came over Erom the 
rebel guns, hm did not hurt us; our, however, burst so close 
thai my horse reared and plunged and started to run away, 
directly toward the enemy's linos. Luckily, I soon had him 
under control. We all turned in at eight o'clock, expecting 

lively times at daylight. 

April i yih. Awakened early l»\ heavy cannonading in the 
front. All hands turned out and stood under arms, hut con- 
trary to expectations, were not ordered to attack. The rebel 
shells Hew thick and fast over our heads, landing amongst 
the troops in rear, who were husv with their breakfast. Ahout 

eighl o'clock the firing ceased, the sun came out, and the 

day grew very warm; at ten o'clock the colonel ordered a 
battalion drill within full view of the rebels, and at four p. m. 

an inspection, followed by a splendid dress parade under 

the very noses of the enemy. Before moving up to the works, 
the only way to obtain water was by digging holes lour or 

five feel deep in the sandy soil. ( )f course, the water was 

simply surface drainage, and many oi the men were badly 
affected by it, more than fifty being sent to the hospital. Here 

we found some good natural springs of pure cold water, which 
is a great luxury indeed. Camp full of rumors of an impend 

ing assault, hut nothing definite. 

April 18th. At twelve o'clock last night we were suddenly 
routed out l>\ a heavy cannonading and musketry, apparently 

in our front. As we always sleep here fully accoutred, we 
had nothing to >.\o hut grasp our arms and rush for the color 
hue. Stood iu line ahout an hour, watching the hcautiful 
effect of the shell tire in the dark night, and then dismissed 

the regiment, hut got little sleep, as the firing continued, 
apparently, without any object. We learned subsequently that 

the pickets had been engaged in our front, and that quite a 
little engagement had taken place on the left, where the officer 



PIAKY OF A YOliNi; OFFICER 



83 



commanding has made .1 reconnoisance, During the after 
noon a string of ambulances came in, bringing about one 
hundred wounded nun and passed to the rear. In the even 
ing we gathered some particulars oi the lasl two or three 
days' operations aboul the movemenl oi the troops. The re 
connoisance was made by General Smith, commanding .1 divi 
sion of Key's corps, al .1 place Known as dam No. 1, on the 
Warwick river, between Fees and Wigans mills. The dam, 
defended by a rebel battery of two guns and .1 line oi rifle 
pits, was attacked by Brook's Vermonl brigade, undei covei 
of the fire of a battery of artillery, Alter the battery had 
shelled the works, the brigade made a rush for the dam, 
driving back the rebel pickets, and captured and occupied 
their rifle pits. Smiili, found hm few troops to oppose nim, 

and in one of the small redouts nothing ImiI wooden gUtlS, 

Later on, several companies oi the Third Vermont crossed 
the river below the dam and carried the works there with 
ease, driving the enemy pell mell before diem. Expecting to 
be reenforced, they held on to tins position iiii the enemy 
moved down upon them in force, obliging them to nine &< ross 
the river under a heavy and destructive fire, losing nearly 

one hundred men in the retreat. The heavy cannonading we 

heard yesterday in thai quarter was Smith's guns, There 

are a host of unpleasant Illinois alloal which we have no 

means oi verifying, and, therefore, I shall nol mention them, 
hnt the all. mi was undoubtedly badly managed. The greatesl 

need of 0U1 aimv seems to he general ofliccrs that ktlOW some 

thing, to lead it, but, oi course, we can'1 believe all we hear, 

.Alter tattoo, received orders to hold ourselves in leadni'.. 

to move Forward into the advanced trenches to morrow. 

April 10II1. Delightful breeze this morning which, on ac 
count of the extreme heat Or this season, is most enjoyable, 
There is a good deal of firing in front where the men ,u<- al 

work, but that is now the regular routine. Mad a slim hnak 
fast; supplies giving out, no more sofl bread; hard lack, sail 
poll., collie, and canned Irnil make tip oin daily hill of fare, 
which tells upon oin physiognomy. Most of LIS aie growing 
lean. 

Hear many Illinois again today. In oin fiont the hat 

teries arc making rapid progress and expect to open in less 
than two weeks; from the rear the news is not so satisfactory; 



84 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

it seems the hospital service at Ship Point is sadly inadequate 
to the needs of the army, at least that is the report. There 
are only two surgeons to care for four hundred men, no beds 
or covering, and a great want of proper remedies and appli- 
ances. In the meantime, the men are lying on the floor and 
dying in great numbers. It seems most of the trouble is 
caused by red tape, the supplies being on hand, but the 
officer who controls them not to be found. This sounds much 
like the affairs of the British before Sebastopol, but I am satis- 
fied this state of affairs will be quickly changed, as soon as it 
is known how matters stand. Sergeant Morse, of the Fifty- 
seventh, died there this morning. One of the principal causes 
of our limited larder is absence of the sutler, who has not 
shown up since we left Alexandria. We are absolutely with- 
out money, not having been paid since the 25th of January, 
and in consequence are obliged to live upon plain soldiers' 
fare, bought from the commissary on tick. We hear, as 
we have many times before, that the paymaster will soon 
arrive, but hope deferred has made our hearts very sick. 

April 20th, Sunday morning. It is just one year ago to- 
day since I marched down Broadway as one of the Seventy- 
first regiment, enlisted for three months to put down the 
rebellion, and here it is stronger and more defiant than ever. 
How rapidly the year has passed, and how little we have done. 
So far as producing any results this army has done nothing 
to speak of, but is ready and powerful enough to deal some 
stunning blows and will if its commander has the pluck to 
use it. Many of my notions have been rudely shattered. The 
old army officer who loomed up so mighty as a man of war, 
has lost much of his prestige ; red tapeism, slowness, desire 
for a comfortable berth, and above and beyond all, jealousy in 
such monstrous form, that like vice, to be hated, is but to 
be seen. During the morning it rained hard ; nevertheless, we 
had the regular inspection and at five o'clock a dress parade, 
Captain McKay in command. Received some interesting let- 
ters from home. 

April 21st and 22d. It rained nearly all the past two days, 
so we have been unable to do anything outside of office work. 
No new developments, but the work of mounting guns and 
advancing parallels goes on, rain or shine. Towards evening, 
the weather cleared, and the brigade paraded for inspection. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 85 

April 23d. I was at brigade headquarters this morning 
and had a friendly talk with the general. He thinks the siege 
will be long and troublesome and is not very happy over the 
notion of spending half the summer here. In the afternoon, 
received a series of maps showing the enemy's position, and 
our line of investment, with instructions to make ourselves 
familiar with the situation. They are very nicely done, from 
surveys and drawings made by the engineer corps. After 
dress parade, joined a large party of mounted officers for a 
view of the town and had a fine gallop, but did net see much. 

April 24th. A very sudden snap of cold weather came 
upon us last night, the thermometer going down to 34. It 
was so cold and uncomfortable in my tent that I got up and 
took a run in the open air to get up my circulation. Bat- 
talion drill in the forenoon, then office work until quite late. 
Nothing unusual from the front, the earthworks are steadily 
growing larger and parallels advancing nearer and nearer 
to their goal. The men have acquired great dexterity in the 
use of the shovel and pick-axe and can do twice as much now 
as they could at first, in a given time. 

April 30th. On the 25th it rained and was very cold and 
disagreeable ; received authoritative information of the speedy 
arrival of the paymaster, so distributed blank muster rolls to 
company commanders, with orders to have them filled out 
promptly. At noon time the whole regiment was detailed for 
fatigue duty in the trenches, field and staff remaining in 
camp. The regiment returned to camp this morning, and 
was immediately mustered for pay. Captain McKay, who 
was in command, reported very favorably on the conduct of 
the men who worked well and paid little attention to the shells 
the enemy fired at them. They looked very muddy and tired 
and were glad to get back again. Major Potter, the pay- 
master, arrived last night and put up with us. He is a good 
looking man who enjoys being in the field immensely and 
joined in the sport last evening with enthusiasm. He brought 
along a patent camp cot, which took about an hour to set up 
and afforded us a lot of fun. We initiated the major in the 
matter of army drinks (field drinks) and found him a man of 
excellent taste. He paid the regiment off very quickly during 
the day. 

May 1st. Weather still bad, preventing any but necessary 



86 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

outdoor operations. Received the glorious news of the capture 
of New Orleans. The men cheered prodigiously, which could 
easily be heard in the rebel lines and must have been depress- 
ing for their side. 

May 2d. Last night at eleven p. m., after we were all 
sound asleep, an orderly came from brigade headquarters 
with written orders, directing the regiment to be in marching 
order by twelve o'clock, formed on the color line. I jumped 
out of bed, ran to the company commanders, hustled them 
out, and had the regiment formed at the appointed hour. We 
saw the other troops of the division parading on their color 
line, and expected something serious was about to occur, but 
it did not. We stood in line till about seven o'clock and were 
then dismissed and ordered to pitch tents again, and get break- 
fast. Upon investigation, we learned the whole movement 
was a fancy of General Sumner, who desired to see how 
quickly he could get his command ready for action. He found 
out, and we lost a night's sleep. 

May 3d. Weather fine and warm again. The colonel 
and I rode over to Sumner's headquarters and had a chat 
with Captain Taylor, the assistant adjutant-general. He is a 
very pleasant fellow, a swell, a nephew of ex-President Taylor. 
He told us he thought the bombardment would open the day 
after to-morrow all along the line, and that the water battery 
which opened on the first had done much injury to the docks 
and town and was a great success. He told us also of the 
landing below Gloucester, on the opposite side of the river, of 
Franklin's division. It seems they have been on board trans- 
ports since the 20th of April and only landed yesterday. The 
delay, he says, was due to lack of facilities for landing, the 
engineer corps having more than they can possibly attend to, 
but there must be some mistake about this, as we landed with- 
out engineers, and amongst these regiments there are scores 
of men familiar with every phase of engineering, and wood 
choppers, boatmen, and carpenters can be had by simply ask- 
ing for them in any number. A little less style and more 
business would be very useful just now to the country. The 
landing of this division ought to insure the capture of the 
works on that shore and help our gunboats and vessels 
immensely. Enjoyed the visit and also the ride home. In the 
evening sat outside out tents watching the flashes from the 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 87 

enemy's guns, which were unusually active. To bed late, 
but not to sleep much, on account of the heavy firing. 

May 4th, Sunday morning. I was just about taking my 
bath when an aide rode up and ordered us to fall in imme- 
diately in full marching order, tents and all, as Yorktown 
had been evacuated. I ran out, ordered the regiment to fall 
in, and announced the welcome news. The enemy evacuated 
the town last night, under cover of the heavy cannonading 
which kept us awake. They had no doubt learned that our 
batteries were about to open the bombardment and concluded 
to take time by the forelock and clear out. By nine o'clock 
we were in motion, marching over our works and up to the 
glacis in front of Yorktown. Here we stacked arms and 
awaited orders, close to the deep ditch of a great work. From 
this position we could see the country for miles and got a 
good idea of the place. It is naturally a strong position, and 
if it could not be turned, which I think rather an easy matter, 
would be very difficult to take. While we were waiting it 
began to rain again, and in almost no time the roads, fields, 
and slopes were knee deep in mud. Towards noon, we heard 
the distant firing of musketry between Stoneman's advance 
and the rebel rear guard. Smith's division of infantry is 
with Stoneman, in close pursuit, and it is hoped may capture 
some of the retreating force. About one o'clock we were 
ordered to fall in, and advance as rapidly as possible to the 
support of Smith and Stoneman. Our brigade stepped out 
in splendid style, notwithstanding the wretched weather and 
slippery roads. We passed through the town, out on the Wil- 
liamsburg road, marching without interruption till long after 
dark, losing many of our men by the wayside. The colonel 
rode in front and I in rear, to keep the regiment closed up, 
but when it became dark it was impossible to see anything. 
Still we plodded along by this time up to our knees in mud. 
About midnight every man had disappeared around me, and 
to my surprise there was no longer a regiment in front. Much 
astonished I rode ahead, thinking I had fallen behind, and 
presently came up with Captain Gott and about twenty-five 
men, halted by the road side. He reported the regiment lost, 
but knowing I was in the rear, had concluded to wait until 
I came along. Telling him to follow, I rode ahead, and soon 
fell in with another party, which proved to be the colonel 



88 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

and a few men of the leading companies, waiting for the 
rest of the regiment to come up. The colonel was greatly 
astonished when he found the men had disappeared and con- 
cluded to turn into the field to the right and bivouac for the 
night, posting a guard to collect the stragglers as they came 
along. It is impossible to give an idea of the terrible state 
of the roads. Smith's wagons were passing over it, many 
of which were broken down or stuck fast in holes, blocking 
the way, and causing infinite trouble. The roads being clay, 
were so sticky that a man could hardly draw his feet out 
when once they were in. The result was complete exhaustion, 
causing the men to drop out one by one along the roadside, 
utterly disheartened, and so we lost the greater part of our 
men. Those of the regiment who were with us, and those 
who subsequently came up, struggled manfully to get up 
their shelter tents, which was no easy matter. Several suc- 
ceeded, however, as they always do, and before long had 
crawled in and were soon asleep. I sat on my horse a long 
time watching the men at work, wondering what I had better 
do. The headquarters baggage was not up, and consequently 
we had no shelter of any kind. The ground was knee deep 
in mud, and I hesitated to dismount, although so sleepy I 
could hardly keep awake. To add to the difficulty, Seth was 
lost, and there was no one to take my horse or make a shelter. 
I finally concluded to dismount anyway and hitched my horse 
to a tree, along the roadside ; while I was making him fast 
Seth came up, and to my great delight took charge. In the 
meantime I stood in the mud, not knowing what to do when 
McKay called out "There's the adjutant stuck in the mud." 
He called me to him and pointing out his little shelter tent, 
invited me to share it with him. He had made a comfortable 
bed of rails under which the water ran away, and we were 
both as snug and secure from the rain as though we had 
been in a regular tent ; what a godsend it was, and how 
grateful I felt to the captain. After a heavy nightcap from 
my canteen, we were soon asleep. 

May $th. The drums beat reveille at daybreak, when 
about four hundred men fell in, the bulk of them having strag- 
gled in during the night. They were in a sorry plight, wet 
through and covered with mud from head to foot. As soon 
as the roll was called, the men were ordered to prepare 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 89 

breakfast, and immediately afterwards marched forward with 
the rest of the brigade. I was ordered to remain behind, 
collect the stragglers as they came along, and when all were 
up, march them forward to join the colonel in decent order. 
So when everybody had gone, I posted a man in the road 
to intercept the men as they came along, and then rode over 
to a farm house to get something to eat for my horse, as 
he had not been fed since the previous morning. By ten 
o'clock, nearly two hundred men having reported, pretty much 
all that were missing, we marched out in good order and 
joined the colonel about two o'clock. The regiments of our 
brigade were in bivouac, resting from their heavy march, 
enjoying the sunshine which was fast drying up the fields 
and roads. They gave us a hearty welcome as we came on 
the ground, and the colonel seemed glad to get the regiment 
together again. Lieutenant Broome, acting quartermaster in 
place of McKibbin, sick in hospital, soon afterwards came up 
in charge of the wagons with full supplies, and so we were all 
in good humor again. Stoneman with his cavalry caught up 
with Stuart's cavalry at the half-way house yesterday and 
skirmished with them as far as the rebel line of earthworks 
at Williamsburg, where quite a little fight took place, our 
men finally withdrawing to await the arrival of the infantry. 
Hooker and Smith, each in command of his respective divi- 
sion, hurried to the support of the cavalry ; Hooker by the 
route we followed. Smith by a road from Dam No. 1, running 
by Lee's mills, which brought him up on our left. Kearny, 
Couch and Casey followed, we coming last. General Sumner, 
who is second in command, was sent to the front to assume 
command, by direction of General McClellan, who remained 
in Yorktown, we are told, for the purpose of shipping Frank- 
lin's division and Porter's corps up the York river to West 
Point to intercept the enemy's retreat. As soon as Hooker 
came upon the field he opened the engagement with his own 
division, without orders from Sumner and without any knowl- 
edge of Smith's whereabouts and succeeded at first in driv- 
ing the enemy back and capturing some earthworks, but 
shortly afterwards, when the rebels brought up reinforce- 
ments, he was driven back in considerable disorder, losing 
two of his batteries. About noon of the 5th, he was badly 
beaten, but luckily for him, Kearny came up just in time, 



9 o DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

recovering the abandoned batteries and all the ground lost 
by Hooker during the morning, when darkness put an end 
to the fighting. In the meantime, Sumner arranged for a 
general combined attack. There were several unoccupied 
redoubts that the enemy had built here, and Hancock was 
sent with his own and another brigade and a battery to 
occupy them. Hancock took possession, garrisoned the re- 
doubts, and throwing out a line of skirmishers found and 
took possession of several other works in front of him. The 
rebels were so fully occupied with the attack made by Hooker 
that they had entirely neglected their left, and when they 
found the redoubts in our hands were greatly astonished. A 
strong infantry force came up to drive Hancock out, forming 
just at the edge of the woods. Hancock's command opened 
upon them when within range and supported by the fire of 
the redoubts soon threw them into disorder, finally charging 
them in splendid style, and capturing about four hundred. 
Amongst the wounded was General Early and several other 
officers. About four hundred men were killed outright. 
At night the situation was about the same as at the opening, 
Hancock holding what he had occupied without resistance, 
at first, and Kearny occupying the ground Hooker had been 
driven from early in the day ; on the whole it was a failure 
on our part to make any decided impression, as we ought to 
have done. About five o'clock in the evening McClellan came 
on the ground and was loudly cheered. He was disappointed 
with the management of affairs and came up to arrange 
for a combined movement the next morning, but during the 
night the enemy abandoned Williamsburg and got away. We 
were immediately ordered back to Yorktown to take trans- 
ports for West Point. It is reported that our loss is over 
two thousand men killed, wounded, and missing, and five 
guns, a mighty poor showing for the first attempt of this 
army. Thus ended the siege of Yorktown without our divi- 
sion firing a shot ; every one is criticising every one else, of 
course. Heintzleman and Sumner are at loggerheads, and all 
the general officers are united only in disparaging each other. 
They are so dreadfully jealous that a combined and earnest 
attack seems almost impossible. The truth is that none of 
them has had any experience with large bodies of men 
and must learn by actual experience, as well as the private 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 91 

soldier; until they have done this, we are not likely to have 
any great success. 

May 6th. Glorious morning, roads hard again, and every 
vestige of Virginia mud has disappeared. Reveille at day- 
light, and after breakfast tents were struck, and the march 
back to Yorktown commenced. The country between Wil- 
liamsburg and Yorktown is picturesque and interesting. 
There are many quaint and curious old colonial houses, dat- 
ing back to revolutionary times, mostly deserted, and all in 
a dilapitated condition. In fact, wherever we have been so 
far, the general appearance of things is in sad contrast to 
those at home. Virginia, or what we have seen of it, seems 
to be a hundred years behind the age, poor, badly cultivated, 
and thinly populated. Arrived at Yorktown at four p. m. 
and bivouacked in close column of division near to the shore. 
As soon as the tents were pitched and guards established, 
leave was given to all off duty to go in swimming. Of course, 
every one went and enjoyed themselves immensely, it being 
the first swim the men have had since their enlistment. The 
shore is formed of beautiful white sand and shelves out so 
gradually that one can walk out for three or four hundred 
yards without getting into deep water. It was a lively scene, 
as we saw it from the high bank, nearly ten thousand men, 
splashing and swimming in the sea at one time. After din- 
ner, when the men were all in camp, we made up a party of 
officers and enjoyed a swim ourselves. 

May yth. There being no transportation for our com- 
mand at present, we are quietly taking our ease, awaiting the 
quartermaster's pleasure. Captains McKay and Curtiss, Doc- 
tor Dean and I rode out this morning to take a look at York- 
town and its fortifications. We found the town full of officers 
and soldiers, and wretchedly filthy. The works are well built 
and armed. We counted a lot of the cannon left behind by 
the rebels, amounting to about fifty ; amongst them were a 
lot of old pieces, 32 and 42-inch ship carronades, dating 
back about one hundred years, but there were several modern 
eight-inch Columbiads, and four nine-inch Dahlgrens, which 
were too heavy, I suppose, to carry away. On the glacis our 
troops found a lot of loaded shells buried in the ground, with 
percussion fuses so arranged that a man stepping on one 
of them caused it to explode. These villainous con- 



92 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

trivances were thickly planted all over the glacis, quite out 
of sight, and would have caused great loss and confusion 
if we had ever charged over them. The shells are mostly 
eight-inch ones and were expected to have done a lot of 
damage. We congratulated ourselves on the good taste the 
enemy showed in surrendering without a fight ; artillery men 
were at work digging them up while we were looking on. 
In the streets were any quantity of pigs, narrow-visaged, 
black, vicious looking fellows, browsing about the gutters, and 
a few ugly, dirty, common women, who lived in shanties 
forming the dirty, straggling streets. It is, and must always 
have been, a poor spot, and yet beautifully situated with every 
facility for a large commerce. It is now to be transformed 
into a military depot and has already daily steam communica- 
tion with Fortress Monroe. The wide river is full of vessels 
and gunboats, and thousands of men are at work building 
docks. Every hour in the day troops are embarking and 
being forwarded to West Point, which makes the docks a 
lively place. We were told to-day that the enemy's rear 
guard evacuated Yorktown at 2:30 a. m. on the fourth, the 
bulk of their army having been withdrawn during the night 
of the third. Thus the rebels had made up their minds long 
before to evacuate the town when things became serious, and 
had been for over two weeks busily engaged sending away 
everything of value. 

Franklin's division sailed from here only yesterday, so 
the chance of its cutting off Magruder's retreat to Richmond 
is rather slim. 




Brigadier-General Richardsi »n. 



CHAPTER IX 

CAMP AT YORKTOWN, AND EMBARKATION FOR THE PAMUNKY ; 

ADVANCE TO THE CHICKAHOMINY, AND BATTLE 

OF FAIR OAKS 

May 9, 1862. 

THE weather still continues remarkably fine, and the roads 
and fields are filled with dust, reminding one of sum- 
mer. The colonel is taking advantage of it by drilling 
the regiment incessantly in battalion manoeuvers, and now 
that all the officers are so well taught, the most complicated 
formations are executed without the slightest hitch. 

The forwarding of troops to West Point goes along very 
slowly for want of boats, which shows McClellan did not 
anticipate an evacuation or speedy capture, as in either event 
we should be sure to need transports. There is no news from 
the front, and nothing doing in camp outside of routine duties. 
Made up the official record and various returns and received 
and distributed quite a mail ; of late the mails have been 
most irregular, frequently going astray, sometimes getting 
entirely lost. 

May 10th. Heard this morning of the arrival of our ad- 
vance at West Point. The troops had a small fight with a 
few rebels, but nothing to speak of; detailed companies F and 
G for a two days' tour of building wharves ; shortly after 
they left camp we were ordered to strike tents, and move 
forward to the ground vacated last evening by the Irish 
brigade. When we got there, we were obliged to detail half 
the regiment to police the ground before we could occupy it, 
the Irishmen having left it in such a villainous condition. 
The present site is close to the town, almost overlooking the 
docks ; in the evening the colonel invited me to go in swim- 
ming with him. Mr e drove down to the beach in a two- 
wheeled ambulance. Upon reaching a spot the colonel 
thought suitable, I got out and undressed, the colonel re- 
maining inside to try the English plan, driving out far enough 
into the water, so that he could jump out, and swim without 

93 



94 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

wading. When he got undressed and walked to the rear to 
plunge in, the old affair suddenly tilted up, and away went 
colonel and clothes, pell mell into the water! When he came 
to the surface and saw me laughing and the driver hiding 
his faee, he swore like the army in Flanders, and pitched 
into the driver right and left ; pretty soon, however, he hegan 
to laugh, too. hut declared he would never bathe in a two- 
wheeled ambulance again. I sent the man back to camp to 
get him some dry clothes, so he was not very much put out 
after all. 

May i rili. High wind all day long, driving clouds of 
sand before it. making it impossible to move outside with 
comfort. It being Sunday morning, we held the usual in- 
spection, notwithstanding the had weather. While the inspec- 
tion was going on we received orders to prepare three days' 
cooked rations, and he ready to embark early in the morning; 
the remainder of the day was occupied in preparing the 
rations and packing up. 

.!/(/ v 13th. By seven o'clock yesterday morning, the regi- 
ment was on hoard the steamer Louisa, and heading up the 
York river. The colonel had no orders, excepting those to 
go on hoard, and only found out his destination from the 
captain of the boat, who said he was to go to West Point. 
We were the last regiment to leave, and are glad to get away. 
Arriving at West Point towards evening, we steamed about 
four miles up the Panumkev, a very narrow hut deep stream, 
when the boat stopped and anchored about dark; in the 
morning the colonel sent me ashore to find out where we 
were expected to land. Broom volunteered to go along, and 
so together getting into a boat, we were rowed ashore, and 
soon ascertained that our division was in camp about two 
miles further up the river, so we returned to the ship. The 
captain weighed anchor and steamed slowly ahead, until 
opposite a wharf, where we disembarked, and marched to 
the ground reserved for us. The whole division lay here 
encamped in an enormous corn field, surrounded on three 
sides by dense pine woods; a delightful situation, hut without 
water, in consequence oi which the men had to dig holes and 
collect the surface water, which was very warm and poor. 
In the evening held a reception at our headquarters, ami had 
a jolly time, congratulating each other on being within so 



DIARY OF A YOUNCi OFFICER 95 

short a distance of the rebel capital, and once more united; 
the flowing howl passed merrily, every one in the best of 
spirits. 

May i. /Hi. Weather magnificent. Providence, this time, 
is surely on our side, and win we do not take advantage 

of the splendid roads and close quickly on the rebel army, I 

cannot understand, nor do I find any one who can; the enemy 

could not have a more accommodating foe than we, since 
we give them all the time they want I'or preparation, and 

advertise everything we do. The greal campaigns of history 
were not conducted on this plan, and one cannot help thinking 
our genera] a little slow; luckily, the rebs are about as slow, 
or something very disagreeable might happen. This part of 
the country is better cultivated, and more interesting than 
any we have seen before; there are more large houses, and 
the soil seems better, but nowhere yet have I seen a grass 
field. Most of the houses are occupied by women, and in 
such cases they are quite safe, but where they are abandoned, 
the soldier makes himself free with whatever suits his fancy. 

The colonel inspected the regiment during the morning, and 
in his opinion, it never looked so well before. It turned out 
just six hundred muskets, every man fully equipped, well 

armed, and clothed; the men's boots and brasses shone lil<e 
burnished steel, and every one felt and looked his very best. 
General French was enthusiastic in his praise, and said no 
regiment of the old army ever made a better appearance. We 
ought to be as good as any, of course, having worked, and 
drilled, and studied, every day for almost a year, and have 
with us more than a hundred men, who served many years 
in the old army before enlisting in the Fifty seventh; more- 
over, the colonel is a thorough soldier, maintaining the strictest 
discipline, and is absolutely perfect in drill and tactics. 

May 15I h. Al eleven o'clock last night, after all had 
turned in, and most of us were asleep, an orderly routed me 
out with written orders to have breakfast, and be ready to 
march at four o'clock in the morning. I ordered reveille at 
2 A. M., and at that hour the regimenl turned out and prepared 
breakfast; we had plenty of time, and so look it leisurely, 
forming on the color line, in full marching order, just at 
four o'clock. The brigade did not move until five o'clock, 
but after once started, did some fine work, never halting 



96 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

till twelve noon, and then only for an hour. We fell in 
again, continuing the march till four p. m., then filed off into 
a dense pine woods, and bivouacked for the night. The first 
part of the day's march was capital, the weather fine, and 
the road hard and dry, but about two o'clock in the after- 
noon, it commenced raining, and at the time we went into 
bivouac, it poured down in torrents. It is a singular coin- 
cidence that when active operations begin, it invariably rains; 
on the advance to Manassas ; the day after landing at York- 
town, and on the day we commenced the pursuit of the rebels 
to Williamsburg ; not to mention the memorable retreat after 
the battle of Bull Run. If there were any kind of roads in 
this country, it would not matter so much, but they are all 
clay, and the center of the road is universally the lowest part 
of it, in consequence, an hour's rain makes them impassable 
for artillery or wagons, and laborious and difficult for in- 
fantry. We are a mile from Cumberland Landing, on the 
Pamunkey, and within two miles of the enemy, who are con- 
centrated and awaiting our approach. After a supper of 
hard tack and coffee, the men turned in, pretty well exhausted 
by the march and bad roads ; headquarters followed suit, and 
by nine o'clock all were asleep. 

May 16th. This morning was simply perfect ; early the 
air was resonant with the music of birds, and later on with 
the music of numerous bands. What would an army be 
without music? Music puts us in good humor, braces our 
nerves, and makes us cheerful and contented, whatever our 
surroundings may chance to be. It would be a dreary ser- 
vice indeed without music, and I don't believe the men 
could be kept together without it. The country we marched 
over yesterday was covered everywhere with pines, few cul- 
tivated fields or houses, apparently a desert waste. Our quar- 
ters are just under cover of some large pines, with open 
ground in front ; on every side, as far as the eye can reach, 
are vast camps of men, horses, guns, and wagons ; orderlies 
and aides ride everywhere ; batteries are moving into position, 
flags flutter in the breeze, and picturesque groups of men and 
horses are indefinitely multiplied ; in fact, on all sides we see 
the glorious pomp and circumstance of war, and in dead 
earnest too, for are we not separated from the foe by only 
two small miles ? Who would not be a soldier in time of war ? 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 97 

Why we should remain inactive all day long so near the 
enemy I can't find out, unless it is to give him a chance 
to intrench ; it is very clear we are not going to surprise any- 
body. In the meantime, we have been occupying ourselves 
in the study of natural history, particularly with the pine 
tick, an insect abounding in these parts ; it has a spiral 
proboscis by which it screws itself fast to the fleshy part of 
one's body, without attracting attention or causing any pain, 
and then quietly proceeds to gorge itself with blood, until it 
swells to the size of a large coffee berry, and looks almost ex- 
actly like one in color and shape. It is at this stage that you 
begin to feel an itching, and looking for the cause, find half 
a dozen or more of these ugly black-looking berries sticking 
on your legs; naturally, you yank them off without hesitancy, 
but are astonished to find the itching increases, and the inflam- 
mation and swelling continues spreading. Upon a close 
inspection, one finds that on pulling the creature off, his 
proboscis was left behind, imbedded deeply in the flesh, and 
this is the cause, or seems to be, of all the trouble. The rem- 
edy is to boldly cut out the offending head; there is, how- 
ever, a scientific method of removing them, when first 
discovered, and that is, simply to unscrew them ; seizing them 
carefully between the thumb and forefinger, you gently turn 
to the left, and are surprised to find they come out easily, 
and completely, exactly like a screw. 

May 18th. About noon we struck tents and marched four 
miles, towards the Chickahominy, this time bivouacking in 
the open field; the woods were too hot and close, and the 
pine ticks have ceased to be interesting ; plenty of good springs 
about here with just a taste of civilization. 

May 19th. The division moved this morning to St. James 
Church ; when the column was formed, the colonel ordered 
me back to the White House, to tell Broom to fetch up 
the regimental wagons. I rather liked the idea of riding 
back, although the road was lonesome and a little risky 
for a man alone ; about half way, I met the colonel's brother 
traveling in search of the regiment, half scared to death 
through fear of being captured. He was delighted to see 
me, and so we dismounted, and over a beverage he detailed 
all the news and gossip from the rear; amongst other things, 
he says that our forces in the valley are being roughly han- 



98 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

died, and that at Washington there is quite a scare. Jackson 
has been detached from Lee's army, and is making things 
lively there. What a shame it is McClellan does not pitch 
into them here promptly, and take advantage of Jackson's 
absence. After a comfortable chat we parted company, and 
I rode along, meeting no one, until close to the White House, 
where I passed an immense drove of cattle, and apparently 
an endless string of wagons ; by good luck, I ran across 
Quartermaster Demarest, of the Sixty-sixth, in charge of the 
brigade train, and asked him to send our wagons up to the 
regiment, which he promised to do. After taking a look at 
the immense piles of stores, and prodigious number of wagons, 
I rode back, overtaking Doctor McDermot, of the Sixty-sixth, 
on his way to join the regiment, which belongs to our bri- 
gade, and so we rode together. 1 le is a rollicking, jovial, drink- 
ing, Charles O'Malley style of surgeon, and made the journey 
back most agreeable. We lost our way once, and had a nar- 
row escape from running into the enemy's mounted pickets, 
whom we saw uncomfortably close, but arrived in camp safely, 
about four o'clock. 

The regiment is encamped around St. James Church, 
situated about a mile north of the Chickahominy. It is a 
very ancient and interesting little church, built of brick 
brought from England, in shape a parallelogram, having 
a small belfry at one end and a heavy porch and entrance 
at the other. There are many simple tablets on the walls, 
commemorating the virtues of some of the early settlers in 
these parts, and under the floor and in the church yard, many 
vaults and tombstones. Upon one of these I read the date 
1725, which is quite old for this country. Some of the natives 
here claim Washington was married in this church, and fre- 
quently attended worship in it ; I do not know whether this is 
true or not ; now the poor old church is doing duty as a stable 
for cavalry horses, the pews having been taken out and piled 
up on the ground. Of course, they are gradually disappearing 
and will soon be all burned up. 

May 20th. The entire corps is encamped upon nine sep- 
arate hills, facing the Chickahominy. All about us are, or 
rather were (for they are fast disappearing), waving fields 
of corn and wheat, evidences of better cultivation than we 
have seen before. The corn makes fine feed for our horses, 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 99 

and is about the only useful thing we have found in this state 
so far. Regimental headquarters are pleasantly situated in 
a piece of woods just in front of the regiment. We swing our 
hammocks between the trees, and sleep in them to keep clear 
of snakes, which abound near this swampy river. We are 
closed up now very near to the enemy, and expect a battle 
at any moment; get little news, and know almost nothing of 
the situation. 

May 21st. The regiment drilled to-day for the first time 
since we left Yorktown ; the colonel put us through many 
movements, completely tiring the men out. Towards evening 
while enjoying our otium cum dig, after the fatigue of the 
drill, and laying out plans for the evening sport, orders came 
to strike tents and march at once. By five o'clock we were 
en route, and to our surprise and disgust, marched till twelve 
o'clock, over circuitous, poor wood roads, mostly running 
through dark pine woods. At midnight we debouched 
into an opening, at the junction of two railroads and 
bivouacked for the rest of the night. Just as we were 
preparing cur bivouac, an order came for the regiment 
to go out on picket duty, in front of the division, so 
we fell in again, and marched out about a mile in front, 
and established a line of pickets just inside the cavalry 
videttes ; reserves were posted at convenient distances, and 
then selecting an immense tree, on the side of a hill, near a 
house, for headquarters, we posted a sentry, wrapped our- 
selves in our blankets, and went to sleep. At daylight our 
people built a fire, and the cook served a good breakfast. The 
colonel and I rode out immediately afterwards, inspected the 
whole line, and made a sketch of the country, dotting down 
the picket line upon it. At the foot of the tree, our head- 
quarters, there is the finest spring I ever saw ; the water is 
as clear as crystal, and cold as ice, so cold in fact, one cannot 
wash in it ; it bubbles out in great volumes ; rushing down the 
hill, emptying into a fine brook, in which I counted six trout. 
When the colonel and I came in from the inspection of the 
lines, he proposed we go down to the spring and take a bath, 
I got undressed first, and jumped in and was almost frozen, 
so the colonel concluded not to try it, contenting himself with 
a good sponging. In the course of the day the colonel, McKim 
and I called at the house and looked over it, and also the gar- 



ioo DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

den, which is a very fine one. All the white people were gone, 
leaving the place in charge of negroes ; they told us the caval- 
rymen had been there and carried off almost everything of 
value, but we thought the house had been very little disturbed. 
It belongs to a doctor, and is luxuriously furnished through- 
out. There is an excellent library, containing many standard 
works, and lots of Latin and Greek books. The beds in some 
of the rooms were covered with silk and satin covers, and 
hung with silk curtains. Many of the cabinets had been 
broken open, but perhaps the niggers had been at them them- 
selves. In the garden, were beds of asparagus, onions, lettuce 
and peas ; plenty of currant and gooseberry bushes, and de- 
lightful beds of flowers. We stationed a guard at the house, 
to keep the men away. One of the colored women gave us 
some fresh milk, and on our return home, the doctor made 
it into a punch. At two p. m. a terrific thunder shower came 
up, soaking us to the skin before we could find shelter. It 
lightened terrifically, making it mighty dangerous to be near 
the lines of stacked muskets. It soon cleared off, however, 
and was very hot afterwards. Just before turning in for a 
little sleep, we received orders to be ready to march at eight 
o'clock in the morning. There is a mile stone at the railroad 
junction, which says fourteen miles to Richmond, so we cannot 
make many more marches without coming in front of the forts. 
May 23rd. At seven o'clock I rode out and withdrew the 
picket line under Jones, and when the brigade came along, 
we fell in to form the advance. It is by all odds the best 
position in a large army; one has first chance at everything, 
and there is a great fascination in leading an advancing army 
through an unknown, hostile country, especially when the 
armies are close together ; although so near to Richmond at 
the start, we managed to make a long and tiresome march, 
roads dusty, and the day hot ; about noon filed off the road into 
a field to the left, and went into bivouac. The pioneers put my 
office tent up and I went to work making out sundry reports. 
We are close to the Chickahominy now, and the rebels are 
within four miles of us, entrenched on the other side. On 
the 20th, Casey's division, of the fourth army corps, crossed 
the river at Bottom bridge, and to-day the remainder of 
the corps is crossing. Franklin's corps is on our right, 
with Porter's in reserve ; our second corps has the centre, and 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 101 

Keys the left; Stoneman and the cavalry are on the extreme 
right, about New Bridge ; all facing the left bank of the river. 
We commenced bridging the river as soon as we got our tents 
up, and I suppose as soon as it is done, we shall cross over and 
attack. In the afternoon I packed up a large box of records, 
regimental books, and also the two silk guidons, and turned it 
over to the quartermaster to send to Washington for safe 
keeping; this diary goes with it, for no man can guess what 
the next few days may bring forth. Other preparations all 
indicate the near approach of the deadly struggle for suprem- 
acy. Three days' rations are ordered to be prepared, and 
constantly maintained; sixty rounds of ammunition were 
served to each man at parade to-night, and all unnecessary 
camp equipage turned in to be sent away. One can easily 
see that something of great importance is near at hand by 
the quiet demeanor of the troops ; they are evidently doing 
a good deal of thinking. 

May 24th. Rained hard most of the day, putting a stop 
to all military work. In the afternoon Captain McKay and 
I made an inventory of the effects of poor McKibben, our 
late jovial quartermaster, who died of a fever contracted at 
Ship Point, on the 17th ult. We all regret him very much, 
for his amiable disposition, and excellent abilities. Broom 
will now be commissioned in his place ; he has been acting 
as such since McKibben was taken sick. Wrote home (as 
did almost every man in camp I think), and told them how 
close we are to the enemy, and what they may expect very 
soon. Camp dull and cheerless to-night, all anxious for the 
rain to stop, so that we may continue the forward movement. 

Sunday, 25th. Fine clear day; regiment inspected at nine 
a. m., made a good appearance ; in the evening at dress parade, 
I read a lot of orders, the accumulation of a week. After the 
parade, we reorganized the regiment into its original ten 
companies ; since landing at Ship Point, it has been consoli- 
dated into eight companies, as a matter of convenience for 
fatigue duty. Weather turned cold last night. 

May 26th. Rained all day long, again making operations 
difficult and disagreeable. A meeting of the officers of the 
regiment was held, the colonel presiding, during the after- 
noon, when the following resolution was prepared, and read 
by Lieutenant C. B. Curtiss : 



io2 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

"Whereas, it has seemed good to the All Wise Dispenser 
of human events to remove from our midst our late brother 
in arms, and friend, Lieutenant James McKibbin, quarter- 
master of the regiment, and acting quartermaster of the bri- 
gade. Resolved, That we deeply deplore the sad event that 
has withdrawn from the stormy scenes in which his useful- 
ness was conspicuous, one, who by his assiduous attention to 
his military duties, and whose engaging social virtues cause 
us to mourn him equally as a faithful soldier and an hon- 
ored friend. Resolved, That fully assured it requires a more 
elevated spirit and a higher patriotism, to yield calmly to 
death among friends, than to rush forth to meet him when he 
comes with the shock of arms, we cannot count his death less 
glorious than that of the soldier who dies on the battle field ; 
for he too, died for his country. Resolved, That in their 
bereavement, we tender to the family of the deceased our 
unaffected sympathies, with the assurance that our sorrow, 
if it be not so deep, is not less sincere than theirs. Especially, 
with her, who was the sharer of his life, and the children, 
whom he left behind do we sorrow, humbly trusting that He 
who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb, may give the strength 
and consolation it is beyond the capacity of the human heart 
to impart. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be 
sent to the family of the deceased." 

May 27th. Rained hard until noon ; the river is rising, and 
the low grounds are all under water. On the 25th, the fourth 
corps marched forward to Seven Pines, on the main turn- 
pike road, and is intrenching. The third corps crossed the 
river, and is in support of the fourth. Hooker's division has 
gone to the White Oak Swamp bridge, and Kearny's to Savage 
Station, on the York river railroad; this leaves Franklin. 
Sumner and Porter north of the river, with most of the 
cavalry. General headquarters are established at Gaines' Mill, 
and all is ready now for the great battle, as soon as the roads 
dry up. We hear to-night that McDowell's army is not coming 
to join us, on account of the serious turn in affairs in the 
valley, which if true, is unfortunate for us; but we must have 
enough men in this fine army to win, if properly led. Cour- 
age Messieurs ! who's afraid ! 

May 28th. To-day has been very hot ; during the night 
we turned out suddenlv and stood in line of battle for an 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 103 

hour, then turned in again. This evening, we hear Porter has 
been demonstrating all day in the region of Hanover court 
house, and has burnt the bridges over the South Anna, and 
Pamunkey rivers, to prevent the enemy getting into our rear; 
and drove a strong rebel force several miles to the rear, cap- 
turing seven hundred men. We got up quite an illumination 
after dark, in honor of the event. After hearing this good 
news, the colonel and I rode over to General Richardson's 
quarters, to learn more about it. General Richardson talked 
freely with the colonel, and said we should get into a big 
fight within a few days, beyond a doubt. He says Porter did 
well, although bothered by rain in the morning, and bad roads 
almost everywhere. Some of the regiments got lost for a 
while, a very easy thing to do in this interminable woody 
country. After a stubborn fight, our men got them on the 
run, and gave them a lively shaking up. The railroad, as far 
as Ashland, was destroyed when the troops returned to their 
original camp, with the prisoners taken during the day. Rich- 
ardson is a dark, slim man, with stooping shoulders, and a 
most pronounced nasal voice. He looks like a farmer more 
than a soldier, and is utterly devoid of style; but has good 
common sense, a rare commodity apparently, and is very popu- 
lar with his command. He is a West Pointer, notwithstand- 
ing his lack of style, and served in the old regular army. He 
made me think he smelt something disagreeable all the time, 
by the way he moved the muscles of his face. He is a typical 
Yankee. 

May 2Qth. Weather fair, and ground drying up. Had a 
fine battalion drill during the morning, all hands on parade ; 
about noon, a body of prisoners over six hundred strong 
marched through our camp, to the rear; they were captured 
yesterday by Porter, and are a dirty, unhappy looking set of 
fellows, more like tramps than soldiers. Wrote to the lieu- 
tenant colonel, who is unluckily at home sick. Detailed Cap- 
tain Jones, with Company H, for duty at Dispatch station. 
H is an excellent company, and Jones a good reliable officer. 
I also detailed Company K, Captain La Valley, by order of the 
colonel, in the afternoon, to guard the rebel prisoners, from 
corps headquarters to the White House. It turned out seventy- 
six muskets strong, and looked splendidly. What a contrast 
they made to the forlorn prisoners, but still these men have 



io 4 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

an ugly look, and one would scarcely like to meet them alone 
after dark, they give us an idea of guerrillas in their slouch 
hats, and gaunt, half starved figures. I noticed they took 
very kindly to the grub, which our men generously gave them. 
May 30th. The New York Herald came in camp to-day, 
containing full accounts of the disastrous overthrow of our 
army in the valley, and the panic it has created in Washing- 
ton. It seems the militia have been called upon, just as they 
were in 1861, to go to the defense of the capital. In the even- 
ing, Doctor McKim, Captain McKay, and I rode along the 
corps front from one end to the other, to get an idea of the 
position. Everything seems to be in splendid condition, but 
what a dreadful thing it is to think of all this force lined up 
for the express purpose of destroying our fellow creatures ! 
War is certainly a dreadful calamity. On our way back, 
stopped at brigade headquarters to get the news. On the 24th, 
Key's corps, Nagle's brigade, of Casey's division in front, 
made a reconnoisance from the old camp near Bottom Bridge, 
and advanced beyond Savage's Station. There they struck a 
heavy force of rebel cavalry, infantry, and artillery. After 
a short fight, the rebels retreated and Nagle's brigade bivou- 
acked on the battle field; on the 27th the whole force 
moved forward again, Nagle's brigade still in advance, 
finally halting, and establishing a picket line within five miles 
of Richmond. Half a mile in rear of Nagle, Wessel's and 
Palmer's brigades are posted in reserve, while Couch's divi- 
sion occupies a line running just in front of Seven Pines, on 
the Williamsburg road ; and Fair Oaks, on the Richmond and 
York river railroad. All these troops, belong to the Fourth 
corps, and are commanded by Keys. Yesterday, the rebels, 
tired of our inactivity, began the initiative, by engaging 
our pickets with skirmishers ; the fight lasted all day, in- 
volving the whole line. At daylight again this morning, they 
opened, and Casey had to send Peck's brigade to enable Nagle 
to hold his position, although well intrenched. From what is 
known, we conclude the enemy are preparing for a formid- 
able attack. It seems very curious, that notwithstanding the 
known proximity of the rebel army, and the fact that we came 
here for the express purpose of attacking and fighting it, we 
are held back, and all our movements are hesitating, slow, 
and timid. Only two corps have crossed the river thus far, 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 105 

which in case of a sudden attack, may find themselves in a 
very awkward position. Why these corps should be posted 
so far in advance, separated by a treacherous river from their 
support, does not seem clear to the average man, especially 
as there is no apparent reason why we should not close right 
up, and pitch in. 

Before we got back to camp, the sky became overcast, 
dark masses of clouds rolled threateningly overhead, and pres- 
ently the lightning flashed around us in a vivid and terrible 
manner. Heavy peals of thunder followed and then the rain 
came down in sheets ; in less than five minutes the fields and 
camps were flooded, and the roads filled with water, rushing 
down to join the river. 

After a good supper in a tight tent, some of us spent the 
evening with the colonel, talking over the events of the day in 
front, and the possible effect of the tremendous rain upon the 
river separating our forces. The Chickahominy drains the 
high country for many miles, and owing to its sinuosities and 
shallowness, easily overflows its banks, and becomes unford- 
able. Many of the negroes hereabouts tell us it spreads out, 
sometimes overflowing the bridges and cutting off all com- 
munication for days with either side. Knowing these facts, 
it seems extraordinary we were not all moved over together. 
The colonel thinks it poor generalship, and is getting anxious 
to be transferred to the western armies, which he thinks are 
better handled than ours. We all agreed we were on the eve 
of a great battle, and that in a few hours, probably, we shall 
be called upon to prove our mettle. About nine o'clock, we 
drank a punch and turned in, to go to sleep, the rain still 
falling and the camp most uncomfortable. 

May 31st. At last comes the order for us to cross the 
river, and go to the assistance of the troops on that side, who 
are being attacked by overwhelming numbers, and are in immi- 
nent danger of being destroyed, and driven into the swollen 
Chickahominy. I have just time to make this hurried mem- 
orandum. While at breakfast, we heard a gun fired, imme- 
diately followed by continuous volleys of musketry, indicating 
much more than the renewal of the skirmish of yesterday. 

The river is immensely swollen, overflowing its banks some 
hundreds of yards ; the bridges are under water, and some 
of them are reported carried away, so we may not be able 



io6 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

to get across, and if the troops on the other side are not 
thrashed before we can get to their assistance, it will only be 
because the rebels don't know how to take advantage of their 
opportunity ; and this is what some people call generalship ! 
At two o'clock, an aide-de-camp dashed up to Sumners' head- 
quarters, and a few seconds later, the order came to fall in; 
there is one thing certain, if anybody can get across, it will 
be Sumner. He, at least, has an eye single to the work on 
hand, and will succeed, or drown his corps in the attempt. 

June 3rd. Thank heaven I am still alive, and have 
gone through the stirring events of the past four days with 
credit, and am entirely unharmed ; the only loss being my 
sword hilt, which was truck by a bullet and shattered to 
pieces, and so here I am again, at my old diary; criticising 
and having a good time all by myself. No one actually en- 
gaged in battle knows much about the details of the fight as 
a whole, at the time ; if he can remember distinctly what hap- 
pened under his own eye, he does well. The general details 
must be learnt after the fight. Of course certain officers, as 
staff and general officers, have greater facilities for observa- 
tion than regimental officers, but in this particular fight, no 
one could see twenty yards ahead of him, and so it was all 
guess work. My account, therefore, of the battle, will not be 
complete, but to show what the regiment really did, I shall 
insert the official report of three of the prominent captains, 
besides giving an account of what I saw myself. 

At a quarter past two p. m. of the thirty-first, our division 
filed out of camp, and marched rapidly to the Grape Vine 
bridge, frequently breaking into the double quick ; arriving 
there we found the stream swollen to a mighty flood, rushing 
swiftly down the river. There were no signs of banks, or 
crossings, all being overflowed, the water coming far up over 
the meadows on either side. The bridge over which we ex- 
pected to cross, was completely undermined, and wholly im- 
practicable, and so to get across we must ford the stream. 
The general gave the order, and our brigade led the way 
fearlessly stepping into the seething waters and feeling their 
way across. The current was so strong that it was all the men 
could do to hold their feet, particularly in the middle of the 
stream, where the water reached their hips, and made it 
necessary for them to hold their arms and ammunition, high 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 107 

above their heads ; every now and then, a misstep sent some 
unfortunate, over head and ears, but when the head of the 
column reached the opposite shore, and one continuous line 
was formed, matters were simplified. The river bottom 
proved tolerably even, and all went well until the southern 
shore was almost reached. Here we found a series of deep 
ditches, running parallel to the river, intended ordinarily, to 
drain the marshy banks, but now entirely hidden from view 
by the rising waters ; we could only locate them by somebody 
suddenly dropping out of sight, occasionally whole ranks 
at a time ; as the current was very swift, the danger was con- 
siderable, not to mention the discomfort. File after file bobbed 
under water, as they reached these hidden ditches, and were 
sometimes extricated with difficulty. My gallant old friend, 
Captain Kirk, stepping out at the head of his company, slipped 
into one of them, and although six feet tall, went entirely out 
of sight. His men soon yanked him out, and I gave him a 
pull at my canteen, which he always appreciates. I rode along 
famously, with legs well drawn up on the saddle, encouraging 
the men to step out, guiding them as well as possible, and 
occasionally laughing at their mishaps, inwardly rejoicing I 
was not as they, on foot, when Horrors ! I was floundering in 
the water, paddling away for dear life to keep myself from 
drowning, while floating down the current. My horse had 
stepped into one of these execrable ditches, and stumbled 
head over heels. Some of the fellows pulled me out, while 
others caught my horse, laughing ; thinking it a great joke, as 
I did myself, after I got the water out of my mouth, and 
boots ; but it was beastly uncomfortable on horseback, with 
boots and pockets full of water, and if I had not had so much 
to do, should probably have been very wretched. It took the 
brigade nearly two hours to get across, and form on the right 
bank. When the last man was over, the head of the column 
marched off to the sound of the enemy's guns, now playing a 
lively tune, apparently only a short distance ahead of us. Just 
before starting out, an aide-de-camp from the front told us 
that Casey's division had been routed and almost annihilated, 
losing their camp equipage ; Couch's division driven back, 
and the devil to pay generally. We spurted, and did our best 
to get up before dark, but the roads were so bad, and the men 
so handicapped by their wet clothes, that we did not reach the 



io8 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

battlefield until after dark, when the action for the day was 
over. Just before reaching Fair Oaks, we passed over a piece 
of scrub oak, strewn with dead and wounded men, and heard 
from the dark recesses of the woods the cries of wounded 
men calling for help. We hurried forward, coming out near 
a railroad track, marched across a large open field, and 
formed in line of battle, facing southward. This field had been 
the battle ground, stubbornly held till after dark by our men. 
There were many dead and wounded scattered about, and sev- 
eral parties of hospital attendants were searching the field for 
wounded, carrying lanterns, which looked like will-o-the-wisps, 
flitting here, and there, over the vast dark space. 

The Sixty-sixth regiment was posted on our right, and 
the Fifty-third on the left. After completing the formation, 
we received orders to lie down with arms in our hands, and 
to make no fires nor noise. There were, of course, many strag- 
glers, owing to the bad state of the road, and the rapid march, 
so after the line was formed, the colonel directed me to 
ride back, and pilot them up, especially Doctor McKim, 
with the led horses, who was still in the rear. I started back 
over the route we came up on, and soon after entering the 
scrub oak, lost track of the road and became hopelessly lost 
in the dark woods ; while riding among the bushes, quite un- 
able to see anything, I heard some one talking, just in front 
of me, and immediately hailed them. There was no reply, but 
the sound of rattling leaves, and breaking branches, gradually 
receding, indicated some one getting away. I knew the woods 
had been fought over, during the evening, and so concluded 
they were Johnnies, lost like myself, but who preferred to 
remain unknown. I drew my sword, and rode along, making 
as much noise as possible. Presently I heard the crackling 
boughs quite close to me again, and soon afterwards some one 
talking in whispers, followed by the sharp click of a musket. 
I began to think I had run directly into the rascals, and get- 
ting a little scared, concluded to try a strategem, and yelled 
out at the top of my voice, "This way, Fifty-seventh, follow 
me !" "All right, old fellow, we are coming," rang out the 
cheery voice of Doctor McKim, and to my great relief he 
rode up, followed by a number of men, and all the pack horses. 
The pleasure of meeting was mutual. He said they had 
been fooling around the woods for over an hour, quite unable 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 109 

to extricate themselves and were delighted when they recog- 
nized my voice. Some time after we joined the regiment, 
directly in front of us, and not more than three hundred 
yards away, a whole string of camp fires were suddenly 
lighted. Whoever they were, they had no idea of our pres- 
ence, as they stacked arms, and proceeded to make them- 
selves at home. As the fires grew brighter, we could see the 
dusky forms of a rebel brigade, thrown into strong relief 
by the dark pine woods behind them busily at work pre- 
paring supper; our first impulse was to give them a volley, 
which we could easily have done, and probably killed a lot 
of them, but it would have disturbed the whole army, and 
besides we were not absolutely certain they were not our 
own men, so the colonel called for volunteers, and in response, 
a sergeant and six men stepped out to reconnoiter, and if 
possible, capture some of them on the quiet, the regiment, 
meantime, holding itself ready to give them a broadside, in 
case of alarm. In less than half an hour, the little party 
returned, bringing in three villainous looking fellows, wear- 
ing immense bowie knives, slouched hats, and butternut 
clothes. We first took away their knives, and then asked them 
all the questions we could think of. They belonged to a 
brigade of Texans that had just arrived from Richmond, and 
were entirely unconscious of our proximity. The prisoners 
were supposed to be on picket duty in front, but had stacked 
their arms, and laid down for a rest, when our little party 
pounced upon them, and gobbled them up, without a word 
being spoken. After we had exhausted their stock of infor- 
mation and given them some coffee, we sent them under guard 
to corps headquarters. This excitement over, we lay down in 
our wet clothes, on the muddy ground, protected only by 
our rubber blankets, and were soon asleep, the last sleep of 
many a man in the brigade. About four o'clock, just before 
daybreak, the colonel directed me to run along the ranks and 
wake up the officers, and have them form their men noise- 
lessly, and stand under arms. We remained in line until 
break of day. The Texans had already gone. About day- 
light, the whole brigade faced to the left, and marched across 
the field, over the railroad and into the woods, in the direction 
of Seven Pines; making a connection with Birney's division 
of Heintzelman's corps; the column halted, just as the right 



no DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

of the Fifty-seventh crossed the railroad ; faced to the front, 
and stood in line of battle. The Sixty-sixth was on the right, 
in the open field, supported by Pettit's and French's batteries. 
The Fifty-third, Pennsylvania Volunteers, on our left, and 
the Fifty-second next. About a hundred yards in rear of us, 
Howard's brigade was formed, and in rear of Howard, the 
Irish brigade, forming a strong front in this particular posi- 
tion. Those of us who were mounted found it very difficult 
to get about, on account of the thick underbrush, but the 
colonel thought it better to remain on horseback. Standing 
on the railroad, on the right of our regiment, shortly after- 
wards, I saw a large body of rebs, hustling across the rail- 
road, into the woods in front of us, evidently getting ready 
for the attack ; we watched them for quite a while ; finally 
Pettit opened on them with his guns, and soon drove them 
out of sight. The colonel, Captain McKay, and I took posi- 
tion in the center of the regiment, close to the men, and sat 
on horseback, straining our eyes to see the first approach of 
the enemy ; after a few minutes' anxious watching, we heard 
the voices of rebel officers, forming their troops in front of 
us for the attack, and also the crackling of boughs, and noise 
made by the men in forming; we peered long and anxiously 
into the dark, heavy woods, hoping to see them before open- 
ing fire, when suddenly, without any warning, a heavy mus- 
ketry fire opened all along the enemy's line. The noise was 
tremendous ; and the bullets whistled about our ears like hail- 
stones, tearing branches, twigs, and leaves from the trees. 
The horses reared and plunged, and the center and left of 
the regiment were thrown into some confusion, but most of 
the men stood their ground, and opened fire. I rode along 
the line towards the right close behind the men, encouraging 
them to keep closed up, and blaze away. Captains McKay and 
Kirk were at once conspicuous for activity, and in a few 
minutes, the line was straightened out, and delivering an 
effective fire. I noticed the enemy's aim was high, and cau- 
tioned the men to aim low. The firing rolled in long con- 
tinuous volume, now slacking, now increasing, until it seemed 
as if pandemonium had broken loose, and all the guns in the 
world were going off at once. With all the frightful racket, 
I did not fail to notice how few men were being hit, and 
told the men to take advantage of the little danger, and fire 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER in 

to some purpose. The enemy did not advance, and in the 
course of half an hour or so, which, of course, seemed twice 
as long, slackened their fire, and apparently withdrew ; our 
wounded were removed, and the line reformed, or rather, 
straightened out, and then the colonel ordered the men to lie 
down and open fire the instant they saw anything in front. 
General French set the example of dismounting, and so we 
followed suit, sending our horses out of the woods where 
they were rather a hindrance than otherwise. It was not 
long before a deafening volley was fired into us again, at 
apparently a greater distance than the first attack. Sergeant 
Stuart, the color bearer, and Lieutenant Folger and several 
men were killed by this volley, the rebels firing much lower 
than before. They advanced after the first volley, and came 
within thirty yards of us, when they received a magnificent 
fire, steady, effective, and determined; our fellows had no 
idea of giving way this time, and stood their ground ; the 
trees were riddled, and a heavy shower of branches and leaves 
continuously fell upon our heads. The air, in fact, seemed 
full of bullets, and yet so few were hurt we began to think 
they could not hit us. While the second attack was at its 
height, McKay and I were on the right, and noticed that 
the rebel line did not extend as far as ours, which I reported 
to the colonel, who immediately directed us to wheel the 
two right companies inward, and sweep the line in front, 
taking the enemy in flank. We quickly made the movement, 
French watching us. The moment the men opened fire, 
the rebels broke and ran, getting away as fast as they could ; 
General Richardson came up just at this time, and imme- 
diately ordered the whole brigade out of the woods, so the 
batteries could sweep it clear with canister and shell ; we 
filed out in quick time, forming behind the guns, which opened 
at once, filling the woods with bursting shells and showers of 
iron hail. It was a dreadful thing for the wounded men, 
who were unable to move, but seemed to be a necessary evil. 
Very soon the woods took fire, and many men who were not 
killed outright were burnt to death. The general did not 
seem to think of this, however, and was concerned only in 
clearing the woods of rebs ; the artillery fire lasted about 
half an hour, and was then discontinued, and Howard's brig- 
ade moved down the railroad, while Meagher's Irish brigade 



ii2 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

came forward and occupied the line held by us during the 
fight. The Sixty-sixth of our brigade, which had not been 
in the engagement so far, deployed in front of the Irishmen, 
and swept down at right angles to their line, searching the 
woods without finding a sign of an enemy. Howard moved 
down the track to the very end of the big field, then halted, 
faced the woods, and marched forward to take in flank any- 
thing that was still in front. Just as he crossed the track, 
he received a heavy volley ; instead of opening fire he ordered 
the whole brigade to charge, and amid deafening cheers 
dashed forward into the woods, sweeping everything before 
him as far as Seven Pines. In this operation, Howard lost 
an arm, but gained great praise, his movements being the 
first of a purely aggressive character, made during the day. 
Howard's sweeping advance closed the battle at Fair Oaks : 
the lines were reformed by the troops in front, at the bot- 
tom of the great field, and the enemy retired, leaving us in 
possession. 

We were greatly surprised not to be ordered to advance, 
for there seemed to be no reason why we should not have 
assumed the aggressive, and at least tried to win a great 
victory. 

Many amusing things, and some sad ones, occurred. 
General French was with us most of the time, on the rail- 
road track. For over an hour he attached Captain Kirk to 
his person, with a guard of ten men. In the course of the 
morning, while passing over the railroad to the right of our 
regiment, he fell into a deep hole full of water, and could 
not get out, much to the amusement of Captain McKay, who 
yelled out to the men, "The general will be drowned ; come 
and pull him out !" The absurdity of getting drowned in a 
battle on dry land, made a great laugh, which caused the 
general's face to grow redder than ever. He was pulled out, 
covered with mud, and as mad as a March hare. Our regi- 
ment lost twenty men killed, and fifty wounded. Lieutenant 
Folger, the only commissioned officer killed, was a fine looking 
young fellow, belonging to the left, Company I, and was 
killed while gallantly performing his duty. One of our best 
soldiers, the gallant color bearer, Henry L. Stuart, the Eng- 
lish Crimean soldier, whom I enlisted in the City Hall Park, 
was shot directly through the forehead ; when the colonel 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 113 

ordered the regiment to lie down, he thought the colors ought 
not to be lowered, and insisted upon standing up, and so was 
killed in the second attack. He was a fine soldier, and in 
battle proved as cool and fearless as on parade ; his death is 
a great loss to the regiment. The battle was now over, and 
the enemy driven from the field, leaving his dead and wounded 
in our hands. No attempt was made to follow up the victory, 
except that on the left we recovered all the ground lost the pre- 
vious day, together with the camp equipage, and a good deal 
of rebel material besides. The enemy's plan had failed in 
any case; and instead of driving us into the Chickahominy, 
they had been driven almost into Richmond, losing all their 
early advantages, besides getting a moderate thrashing, so on 
the whole, we congratulated ourselves on a substantial victory. 

General McClellan and staff rode up as the guns were 
shelling the woods, his first appearance, and was received with 
tremendous cheering. He remained only a few minutes on 
the field. 

About two p. m., our regiment took position in rear of 
Meagher's line, subsequently moving off to the support of 
Hazzard's battery, and remained in that position all night. 
Towards evening we stacked arms, built fires, and prepared 
the first meal we had had since our breakfast on Saturday 
morning. During the evening it began raining, and later on, 
poured down in torrents. 

The following morning, June 2d, the engineers staked out 
a line of earthworks, reaching from Gaines' mill on the right, 
past Fair Oaks, Seven Pines, and away down to White Oak 
Swamp bridge. All the men that could be furnished with 
tools were set to work, digging ditches, felling trees, and 
building parapets. The picket line was established about 
two hundred yards in front, and about the same distance from 
the enemy. They opened fire upon each other early in the 
morning, and have kept it up incessantly ever since ; during 
the day the rebels disguised some sharpshooters by trimming 
them up with boughs and small branches of trees, and sent 
them into the tops of large trees where, unobserved by us 
at first, they picked off every man who came within their 
range. Our fellows at length saw something moving in the 
top of a big tree and fired at it, and were astonished to see 
a man drop to the ground. 



. . i DIARY ( )F A V( )HN(i < IFFICER 

The rebels are fortifying their position, too, nol more 
ili. in i hundred yards distant , we can heai theii axes, night 
.ni'i day, felling timber, and the pickets report them hard al 
w< irk, i In < >\Y in); up breasl w< >i k 

I have been busy .ill day long preparing Hi<- official reporl 
oj Mm- action with the colonel, and have had .1 l"i <>i trouble 
id get things straightened out, The fad is, ii was .1 \>i»>\ fight 
loi commanding officers, and when General Richardson re 
fused i" be complimented by General Sumnei for what In - 

had <l ■ "ii the ground thai he had done nothing, and il><' 

men everything, li«' explained the whole situation. The fight 

in" done by oui brigade was in ili«' w Is exclusively, undei 

the control oi regimental officers, and neither General Rich 
ards< >i < reneral Frem h knew much aboul it. 

The woods were so thick, nothing could l><- seen twenty 
yards ahead oi us, and I am quite certain the bulk <>i the 
iinn nevei saw the enemy ;ii ;ill in fronl oi them, There 
was, however, plenty "i work im regimental officers, and 
they performed 11 satisfactorily, and deserve credit. Colonel 
Zook was alert keeping ;i firm control <>i the regiment, and 
1 cm. lined .ill the time in the center, sending me from fiank 
i<» il. ink, as well as Mi Kay, and Kirk, who acted as field ol 
Beers La Valley on Mi<- left, Chapman, Britt, and almost all 
the officers, showed plenty of gumption, and did theii <lniy 
bravely I ieutenanl fames G Derrickson, ili< - adjutant <>i 
the Sixty sixth, was ubiquitous, riding gallantly into 1 1 1<- 

u [s, when lii'. regimenl deployed in front <>i Meagher, keep 

hi" entire control «>i himself, and aiding greatly in 1 1 1 < - 
in. mi euvei ing oi his regiment, Onlj actual experience in 
w .11 1 .in make nun competent officers No amounl of technical 

training will <l<> it, as we have already discovered, 1 e "I 

oin idols "."in", to pieces .ii il"' very firsl shock. 

Two <»i "in officers were directed i" send in theii resig 

nations this n ling. I had to notify them, and fell very 

..u\ in them, especially i«»i the lieutenanl who, I think, 
eventually would have turned ou1 as well as any <»i us, I shall 
now give the report <»i the captains commanding the right, 
left, and <"i"i companies which will explain what I have 
omitted, and give .1 fail idea oi whal actually occurred by 
the vei y best authorities. 



diary < >!■■ \ v< >hn<; < >i'H< ik 



I ,I| II I I N A N I | M I'Avil I , 

\t||lll.llll FiftV '' vtlllli K' . i ■ II I n ill , New Yi.ll. \ i >l l II lire l -. 

: II- i [aving attai lied mytell i" the ■ Iff hi wing "i the 
H'l'iinciii (hi the . 1 1 > ■ .* 1 1 « « • i< -i.it hed duty ol the f •. ' < • • < . i pari 

Ol HIV t * >lll|i.lll\ ) , I II. III. lit' wll.ll I'll 1 1 1 1 • I • 1 lll\ nlr.tl\.ll 

Ai .iiit»iii seven \ m . we wilt- ordered with the othei reffl 

lllt'lll'. til lilt' III Ij'.H l<\ l<i l.ll.r ll|i ,| | »< > . 1 1 1 < > 1 1 III .1 U I .1 lllllli; 

the Rli hmond .mil v..ii. railroad 1 he > Ighl el the i 1 1 1 \ 
seventh i «•• .i «•« I immediately on the railway, facing towards 
Richmond! on oui riffhl wai the Sixtj sixth, New Vorkj In 

tin- open field, and on oui left, the Fifty third, i' ylvanla 

Volunteers, and Fifty se I, New YovU I in brigade hud 

barely formed Into line, when fire wan opened by iii' \ 

iin vv.i-. replied to by the three regiments to the lefl oi tin 
railroad, taking up the ai tlon from the li ft, beyond the turn 
pike, i" Bottom Bridge The riffhl wing oi the regiment, 
al the finl fire from ■> concealed foe, sliffhth wavered, one 
company somewhere neai the centei taking up •< position 
on iin 1 1 ... i ] i, the , ii,, 1 1 . ,,i i . 1 1 . i . 1 1 1 1 i\it i ..!-, ,..iii -.til, .in.i 

I ni ||. li. i li I I \ l < 1 1 i ' .1 1 iiii.i in I iir ■ ill. i i • ■ 1 1 1 IMlliy, .Hi'l .i tjiinl 

explanation to the men, the regimental line was Immediately 
1 1 it 1 1 mi 1 1, .H n l in in}- was commenced, imi ii the colonel 
orders, repeated along the line, to cease firing were recel ed 
h was necessary lo stop the fire, foi the wood was so den i 
;ii mil place thai il was impossible to distinguish friend from 
foe, ;iii'i ii vv.i', bettei in in mi iin riffhl side lly command, 
the ni'ii then lay down, and such action, I believe, spared us 
;i heavy Ion Shortly aftei this, by command ol (Jeueral 
r rem ii, iin- ■ ,i i i id w.r. thrown obliquely ai ross the 
woods, iitiin the railroad partially masking oui riffhl wing 
lln .niii.il al this spol appeared i" mi in last ..iiiiiii 
two houn, the enemy being readily repulsed, as I have 
heard, wiib heavy Ion, from thi rapid fire from oui brigade 
ah. i the ai tion had lasted some hall houi oi io, with thi 
colonels permission, l atlaehe-d mysell with ■> small guard, 
ten men, to Hriffjidiei fieneral Prench, with whom I remained 
.hi hour, aftci whii b, I rejoined my regit ncnl, and aceoni 
panied ii about one i* m to a position furthi i to thi l< fl - • • t • I 
it. ii ,\-. to n mill i have littli to ii y, i *o pi thai I b< Hi vi 
ih. iiii-n th,i i j 1 1 - 1 r duty fairly well, In the nasty position w 



n6 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

were in, and would have done anything more they might have 
been called upon to do. 

The officers I have named exerted themselves, especially 
Captain McKay, acting field officer. I also consider that 
Lieutenant Paul M. Pou, attached to the right company, did 
his duty. 

Respectfully, 

W. A. Kirk, 
Captain Fifty-seventh New York Volunteers. 

Camp near Fair Oaks, Va., June 3, 1862. 
Adjutant J. M. Favill, 

Fifty-seventh New York Volunteers. 
Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of 
the participation of my Company, A, in the affair of the first. 
The brigade having filed into the woods, and taken up the 
position assigned, in about thirty minutes from the time we 
entered the woods, the enemy suddenly opened a brisk fire 
upon us ; as the impression was prevalent that the woods in 
which we were had been cleared of the enemy, my men 
were taken somewhat by surprise, and began to give way, 
firing as they retired. I, however, rallied them without much 
difficulty, about twenty feet in rear of our first alignment. 
The enemy soon ceased firing opposite us, and the regiment 
was moved further to the right. Here, the enemy opened fire 
on us again, their aim being uncomfortably accurate ; as our 
front was partially masked by one of our own regiments, we 
were unable to return the fire, and the men were ordered to 
lie down. Having sustained this for some considerable time, 
we received orders to take position on the railroad, and file 
out of the woods, which we did in good order. The casual- 
ties in my company have already been reported. I regret to 

have to report that two men, Private W and Sergeant 

S , broke at the first fire, and did not return till after 

the action was over. With these exceptions, I can speak in 
terms of commendation of the conduct of the company gen- 
erally. 

Very respectfully, 

A. B. Chapman, 
Captain Company A, Fifty-seventh New York. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 117 

Camp on the Battlefield near Fair Oaks, June 3, 1862. 
Lieutenant J. M. Favill, 

Adjutant Fifty-seventh New York Infantry. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit the following state- 
ment, in relation to the battle of the first instant, for the 
information of the colonel commanding. The regiment en- 
tered the woods in which the engagement took place, left 
in front. My company, K, was the leading company, and 
formed about twenty paces from the right of the Fifty-third, 
Pennsylvania Volunteers ; the first fire of the enemy was re- 
ceived by my company, while the men were resting, and 
were neither in the ranks, nor even facing towards the enemy. 
My company took shelter behind a large log, and lying on 
the ground, returned the enemy's fire, and then slowly retired, 
loading, but still facing the enemy. I fell back about thirty 
paces behind a clump of large trees, and called on my men 
to rally around me. They fired once more, and formed of 
themselves, less than ten paces from where they received 
the first fire of the enemy ; they fired again, and as soon as 
they had loaded, I gave the order, "Cease firing," and aligned 
the company. The enemy in my front, had ceased firing, 
but the right of the Fifty-third was still engaged. The right 
company of that regiment broke and fell back behind my 
company, and fired over and through my men, one shot taking 
effect on one of my men, who fell dead in my rank of file 
closers. With the help of Lieutenant Curtis, and two of my 
sergeants, I rallied the men of that regiment who were behind 
my men, and compelled them to return to their company, 
which they did, and, subsequently, behaved very well, keeping 
up a brisk fire. My company, receiving a few shots from the 
front, I opened fire again. Two men reported having seen 
several men in front firing at us. Thomas Ridings, private, 
said to the man in front of him that he had shot one of them, 
and immediately fell dead, shot through the head. 

The right company of the Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers, being moved to the right, was now nearly in front of 
my company, I sent Sergeant Alcoke to report the fact to 
the colonel, who thereupon moved the regiment further to 
the right. Shortly after, the order was given to lie down 
and not fire, as the Sixty-sixth was in front of us. This order 
had hardly been given, when a terrific fire was opened on the 



n8 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

right of the Fifty-third and my company, and, I supposed, 
on the whole line of our regiment, which would have suf- 
fered very severely, if it had been standing up ; the shots were 
so low that they barely passed over us, one ball grazing the 
neck and shoulder of Sergeant Brower. Shortly afterwards 
the order to march out was given, and we followed the regi- 
ment, marching in four ranks, in good order. I have every 
reason to be satisfied with the conduct of my company, and 
particularly with the coolness and efficiency of Lieutenant 
Curtis, and of my non-commissioned officers. I can assure 
the colonel that under more favorable circumstances, much 
can be expected of the men under my command, and that 
they desire nothing more than to follow wherever and when- 
ever, they are led against the enemy. 

Very respectfully, 

A. J. La Vallee, 
Captain Fifty-seventh New York Volunteers. 

The following is the official regimental report of the action, 
finally adopted after numerous corrections and changes, at 
the dictation of the brigade commander: 

Headquarters Fifty-seventh Regiment, 
New York Volunteers, 
French's Brigade, Richadson's Division. 

Fair Oaks, June 3, 1862. 

Sir: In accordance with orders received from General 
French, the regiment marched at half-past one p. m., Satur- 
day, May 31st, with the other regiments of the brigade, to 
support Casey's division and the troops on the other side 
of the Chickahominy, then engaged with the enemy. 

The Chickahominy being much swollen, and the shores 
lined with deep ditches, rendered it very difficult and danger- 
ous to ford ; we succeeded, however, in a short time, in cross- 
ing directly west of Tyler's, and advanced as rapidly as the 
bad state of the roads would permit, coming up too late to 
take any part in the action of that day. 

I received orders from General French to form my com- 
mand in line of battle nearly parallel to the railroad and on 
the left of the Sixty-sixth New York, within two hundred 
yards of thick woods, on our right and front, which were 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 119 

occupied by the enemy during the night. After forming, the 
men were ordered to sleep upon their arms in line. At 3 130 
a. m., June 1st, I received orders to form my regiment, and 
at 5 :30 a. m. follow on the right of the Fifty-third Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers, into the woods, which were very dense. 
We halted, about thirty yards the other side the railroad, and 
formed in line of battle. In about half an hour, the enemy 
opened a very heavy fire upon the whole line, at about forty 
yards distance, which was instantly returned in the coolest 
manner, causing the enemy to fall back, whereupon we ad- 
vanced at the "charge," driving him entirely from his posi- 
tion, killing and wounding a large number, among the number 
several officers. 

After the enemy were driven back, having no orders to 
follow any distance, I halted the regiment, and stood at 
shoulder arms ; to our astonishment, and before we discovered 
him, the enemy had approached our line under cover of the 
thicket, and opened again a terrific fire upon us ; killing two, 
and wounding eleven, Color Sergeant Henry L. Stuart being 
one of the killed. We immediately returned this second fire 
with vigor, and again drove him back. At this moment, 
General French came up from the left of the line, and seeing 
our position, and that of the enemy, ordered me to move to 
the front and right, throwing out two companies fifty yards 
in front, and faced towards the left, flanking our entire line. 
Captain McKay was charged with the execution of this move- 
ment. As soon as the disposition was made, we saw the 
enemy advancing in our front in great force, evidently in- 
tending to turn our right. We at once opened a rapid and 
continuous fire from the front, and, by the two flanking com- 
panies, which completely surprised him, causing him to break, 
and fly in great disorder, after making a desperate effort to 
break our line. 

This movement cleared that part of the woods, and, in 
my opinion, contributed materially in deciding the action. 
Directly after this affair, I was ordered by General Richard- 
son to take my command out of the woods, in order that the 
batteries might shell them, so we moved across the railroad, 
into the field we occupied the night previous, forming line of 
battle facing south, our right resting in the direction of the 
railroad station. In this position, two men of the right com- 



i2o DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

panies were wounded by the enemy's sharpshooters. At 
i p. m., in accordance with General French's order, I marched 
my regiment into the woods, in support of General Meagher, 
remaining in that position an hour and a half, then moved 
to the left, to support Hazzard's battery, Fourth artillery, 
and remained there all night. 

My staff were very efficient, Doctor Dean removing the 
wounded under heavy fire, and Doctor McKim discharging 
his duties at the hospital very creditably. I feel it my duty 
to call attention to Captain W. A. Kirk, who was present 
without his company, which was detailed on fatigue duty and 
afforded great assistance to the regiment. 

Both officers and men behaved in the most admirable man- 
ner, and I am gratified to express my entire satisfaction with 
the behavior of all. 

Very respectfully, 

Samuel K. Zook, 

Colonel Commanding. 

The report of third brigade, first division, second corps, 
General French, claims a charge made by us, led by the gen- 
eral in person, and is altogether a great improvement upon 
the above, but my respect for truth will not permit of any 
further exaggerations, and so we leave those above us to 
continue the ornamentation, feeling confident that by the time 
the War Department receives the report of the general com- 
manding the army, there will be nothing wanting to show 
how admirably everything was done. 

Busy all day long with the official report, returns of killed, 
wounded, and missing, arms lost, destroyed, injured, etc. The 
aggregate losses of the division are about two thousand men, 
and for the entire army five thousand or thereabout; this 
shows our division was prominent in the fighting at any rate. 

June 4th. Yesterday and to-day very hot, reminding us 
forcibly that summer has come. On account of the con- 
tinued rain it is very unpleasant. The pickets keep up a con- 
tinuous fire night and day, and do a good deal of execution ; 
it is a very dangerous duty, particularly for officers, who are 
picked off by sharpshooters, in preference to the men. To- 
wards evening, we received orders to fall in, and hold our- 
selves ready for action, the enemy having been seen forming 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 121 

columns of attack; nothing-, however, materialized, so we 
stacked arms, and lay down in rear of them. About 7 p. m. 
it rained hard, flooding the ground we lay on, but we were 
obliged to remain throughout the night, the general refusing 
to let us budge. 

June $th. Early this morning the colonel sent me to Gen- 
eral Richardson's headquarters to report the wretched position 
the regiment was in and get permission, if possiblle, to move 
it. I rode over the battlefield of the thirty-first and first on 
my way, and found it in many places knee deep in water; 
the dead had been buried by digging little ditches around 
them, and throwing the earth over the bodies ; when it rained, 
it washed the earth away, particularly at each end of the 
mound, leaving the feet or head exposed in a most horrible 
manner. I saw scores of such cases, most of whom were 
rebels, but that did not make the picture any the less hor- 
rible. The general gave permission to change the regiment's 
position. I heard at division headquarters that the wounded 
have not yet been all collected ; several were brought in to-day, 
who have been lying three days and nights on the drenched 
battlefield, in the woods ; some of them were burnt, as well as 
wounded. Detailed Company B to complete the burial of the 
rebel dead about our front; in the course of two hours they 
picked up ninety-one men, and buried them in one long ditch. 

June 6th. The regiment moved forward to-day, over the 
large field we bivouacked on the night before the battle, and 
went into position on the very spot where the Texas rangers 
started their fires, which astonished us so much the night of our 
arrival. Have not removed our clothes, or accoutrements 
since the thirtieth day of May ; the men sleep fully equipped, 
with arms by their side, ready for instant action ; twice last 
night we turned out, and stood under arms for over an hour; 
picket firing heavy, with an occasional fort joining in the 
racket. 

June ?th. To-day the last of the dead were buried, and 
the general appearance of things much improved. Our divi- 
sion hospital is in and about a large house on the hill, in 
rear. The doctors have had more than they could do, and 
are pretty well used up. I went over there to-day to see Mc- 
Kim, and found him up to his ears in work. Below the 
house, just outside the door, I saw a heap of arms, feet, legs, 



i22 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

hands, etc. ; the pile was beastly odoriferous, and most sug^ 
gestive. The doctor said they had been unable, so far, to get 
anybody to bury it. 

June 8th. Moved forward this morning, close up to the 
new works, and detailed two-thirds of the regiment to work 
upon them. They are making gabions, sand bags, abatis, 
etc., for the redoubts, which are something altogether out of 
the ordinary run of field works ; our bivouac is within easy 
range of the rebel pickets and sharpshooters. Bullets are 
incessantly flying over us, or amongst us ; once in a while, a 
shell or round shot comes buzzing along, but generally, passes 
us far out of sight, doing no harm. Last night we were in 
line of battle half the night, and are getting worn out, as well 
as disgusted, with so much hard work; we cannot understand 
why we should entrench ourselves so powerfully, when we 
came here for the purpose of attacking. Our commander- 
in-chief is very timid, certainly, and the prospects for a fur- 
ther advance upon Richmond seem extremely slender. 

June pth and ioth. Still in the same position, regiment 
working upon the breastworks and redoubts, which are al- 
most completed. Food is scant, and limited as to variety; 
the mess has little besides salt pork, hard tack, and a few 
cans of preserved peaches ; breakfast, dinner, and tea are all 
alike. Luckily, the can de vie, the commissary in the ver- 
nacular, and the coffee, comes down to us in endless streams, 
so we shall not utterly collapse. 

June nth. The regiment was relieved to-day from 
fatigue duty, and retired to a position out of range of the 
enemy's guns, in the second line; our tents (officers') came 
up, too, and for the first time in twelve days we have shelter 
from the weather; we have laid out night and day in rubber 
coats, never undressing, and without any protection whatevei, 
other than our rubber blankets. G — . and B — . left the regi- 
ment to-day, their resignations having been accepted on ac- 
count of their conduct in the late battle. Nobody seemed 
to sympathize with them, but I felt sorry, particularly for B — . 
Last night an alarm was sounded, and in accordance with 
standing orders we rushed to the color line, fell in, and stood 
under arms half an hour ; about i p. m. there was a total 
eclipse of the moon, which we had the pleasure of observing 
from the color line. The daily routine now is not particu- 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 123 

larly interesting. Officers and men are always armed and 
equipped, never removing their belts. At three this morning 
I got up and routed out the company officers, then formed 
the regiment on the color line, where we remained for two 
hours. No drums, bugles, or bands are allowed to play, so 
we are obliged to go amongst the men to wake them up, and 
give the orders; an adjutant's duty just now is more arduous 
than ornamental. Many reports of possible movements, but 
nothing intelligent. McClellan seems to be afraid. 

June 12th. Struck tents early this morning, and marched 
nearly a mile to the rear ; laid out a regular camp, and re- 
moved our accoutrements, so we shall have leisure to make 
ourselves decent and comfortable. I took a bath in a tub, 
being the first chance since the 31st. It has stopped raining, 
and the roads and fields are in good order again. 

June 13th. There was much excitement just before day- 
light this morning, the rebels opening a tremendous can- 
nonade on Sumner's headquarters, creating a general stam- 
pede in that direction. All the troops fell in and remained 
in line, till the firing ceased ; our big guns in the new redoubts 
and forts replied and made a terrific row. It was all wasted 
ammunition, I suppose ; no losses on our side, at any rate. 
Weather very hot, so we sent to the woods for pine boughs, 
and had them placed in front of our tents ; to keep the sun 
off. Seth made some fine seats of inverted cracker boxes, 
and we can now sit outside under the shade of the pines, and 
get the air. How many men are killed every day on the 
picket line, from the fire of the sharpshooters? It does no 
good, and has not the most remote effect upon the ultimate 
result, is barbarous, and ought to be stopped. Got a fur- 
lough for Quartermaster Sergeant Smith to-day, and made 
out field returns. In the evening we lay under our fine shade 
trees, and sampled some Rhine wine brought up by the sutler ; 
found it good ; got hold of a Richmond paper to-day, con- 
taining an account of the fight of the thirty-first and first, 
from the rebel point of view. They admit there was great 
confusion on the night of the first, and that they fully ex- 
pected us to follow them up. It was a serious mistake we did 
not do so; they must have been demoralized by the great 
change in affairs on the first ; on the thirty-first they had con- 
siderable success, capturing Casey's camp and stores, two or 



i2 4 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

three batteries, and drove back all the reserves brought up to 
oppose them, until night stopped the fighting. The following 
morning everything was reversed ; they lost all they had 
gained the previous day, leaving their camp equipage and 
dead and wounded in our hands, and lost heavily all along 
the line ; nothing prevented a great disaster to the Confed- 
eracy on the first but the timidity of McClellan ; officers and 
men were ready and anxious to advance, and would, if al- 
lowed to have done so, followed the enemy directly into their 
works. Colonel Bailey, the chief of artillery of Key's corps, 
was killed on the first. I knew him when he first joined the 
army, after graduating from West Point. He was a splendid 
specimen of the genus homo, and married to one of the most 
beautiful women I ever saw, one of Major Patten's daugh- 
ters, of Fort Ontario, Oswego. He was a fine officer, and his 
death is a great loss to the service. 

June 14th. Very hot; to-day about noon, the corps was 
reviewed by General McClellan and the Spanish general, 
Prim ; all the troops not in the works were massed in close 
column of division in rear of their respective fronts, and 
made a fine appearance; the men cheered the general and his 
guest vociferously, and the rebels paid their respects by firing 
a good many shots at us, their balls whistling over our heads, 
rather inconveniently. The water here is wretchedly poor, 
and now that the weather is hot, and the men drink a good 
deal, the sick list is rapidly increasing. No military news 
of importance. 

June 15th. Weather hot and uncomfortable. Had a regi- 
mental inspection in the morning, found the men fully 
equipped. Company G joined us to-day from Dispatch Sta- 
tion, where it has been on duty since our arrival on the 
Pamunkey. At 6 p. m. General French sent for all the regi- 
mental commanders and told them there was a report that the 
rebels intended making an attack on the works to-night ; they 
are to wear white bands in their hats, to distinguish them, and 
hope to capture the army of the Potomac asleep. The orders 
are to inspect the arms and load the pieces, issue extra am- 
munition, and remain all night on the color line, sleeping on 
our arms. I hope the report may prove true, and that they 
will come, but none of us believe it possible. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 125 

June 16th. The rumor of a night attack proved utterly 
groundless, nothing out of the usual happened. We slept in 
our blankets in line of battle, and slept pretty well, too. When 
an alarm is sounded now, all hands rush to the color line, 
nobody waiting for orders. This makes it easier for me, and 
saves time. Food still poor for officers on account of the 
non-appearance of the sutlers. The men get fresh beef twice 
a week; bean soup, salt pork, dessicated vegetables, and occa- 
sionally canned peaches. In appearance, we arc almost as 
dark as Indians, the regulation fatigue cap being the worst 
possible protection for the face. All the officers wear soldiers' 
trousers and blouses, the latter simply ornamented with gilt 
buttons and shoulder straps. We buy these things from the 
quartermaster, paying cost price for them. Our full dress 
hat is the slouch soft hat, with gold cord and acorn tassles ; 
gold wreath in front encircling for infantry, a bugle ; artillery, 
crossed cannons ; cavalry, crossed sabres ; and staff and gen- 
eral officers, U. S. We have long ago done away with the 
gold sword knot, and now use a strong leather one, which is 
serviceable. Seth I find the greatest of all treasures. He 
is indefatigable in his attention to my comfort ; and never 
neglects anything belonging to me ; books, horses, swords, 
buckles, and clothes are always in order ; and when I want 
to be amused, he is ever ready to talk interestingly upon a 
great variety of subjects, and knows when to stop and when 
to go ahead. 

June iyih. Weather very threatening to-day. About 
3 p. m. it became almost dark, but immediately afterwards 
cleared up without rain or wind ; very curious. The firing on 
the picket line, always continuous ; to-day it has been un- 
usually severe, resulting in the death of a great many men, 
without advantage to either side. Colonel Zook was detailed 
this morning for twenty-four hours as general officer of the 
■day in charge of picket lines. He took off his shoulder straps 
and wore ordinary soldier clothes in accordance with orders, 
as every officer exposing himself is sure to be shot. The 
works are finished in our front, and are strong and handsome 
and can never be taken by direct attack, that is certain. Every- 
body is joking now about "on to Richmond." These works 
don't look much like advancing, and from that point of view 
are a mistake. I forget whether I ever mentioned the best 



i26 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

of all, camp beds. We never think now of using any other, 
;m<l it is worth noting, even at the risk of doing so twice. 
Seth gets a barrel from the commissary department, takes off 
the hoops and loosens the staves ; then he drives four crotches 
into the ground about five feet apart lengthways, and two feet 
across; places two long poles parallel to each other, resting 
on the crotches, and lays the barrel staves across them, when 
the bed is complete. We have two in our tents, covered 
with red blankets, which look very fine. Inverted cracker 
boxes, placed on sticks driven in the ground, make the best 
of tables, and are always to be had for the asking. Received 
letters and newspapers from home; how much pleasure it 
gives one to hear from civilization. Here there is nothing 
but pine trees and sand, not even a ditch or spring to relieve 
the dull monotony ; where there is no water I soon grow dull 
and stupid. Made out to-day a record of the Fifty-seventh, 
from the date of its organization, for the War Department. 
Towards evening the enemy opened all his guns, and a lively 
bombardment followed ; our guns replied, and the row was 
tremendous. The skirmish line increased its fire so earnestly, 
we thought certainly this time something was up ; at 9 o'clock 
P. m. we were ordered to fall in, and soon afterwards marched 
to the works and stacked arms, just in rear of the breastworks 
manned by Burn's brigade. The air was alive above us with 
shells, screeching and howling in their rapid flight. They all 
went over us and think did no harm to anybody. Remained 
all night, and at 6 a. m. returned to camp and went to sleep. 

June rSth. At three o'clock this afternoon, the picket 
line was advanced to a crest, a short distance in front, which 
was desirable on account of the shelter it afforded the rebel 
sharpshooters. Of course, it brought on a contest imme- 
diately ; all the redoubts fired their big guns, and pandemonium 
broke loose. We fell in and hurried down to the works, but 
by that time our troops had gained the desired position, and 
the fighting ceased. We marched back to camp and were 
just dismissing the parade when a furious fire opened all along 
the line, and we were hurried back again to the front. The 
enemy came on this time in long lines of battle, extending 
over a mile along the works ; they drove in the pickets and 
reserves, and came within sight of our works for the first 
time. They did not remain long, however. All the guns 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 127 

opened fire, and instantly one continued blaze enveloped 
forts and redoubts, torrents of leaden hail, and bursting shells 
were hurled against them ; their line soon halted, then broke 
and ran for shelter, without making a second effort to reach 
us. They lost a heap of men in this effort, and gained nothing 
whatever. We remained all night under arms. The slashing 
in front of the earthworks is very intricate and formidable. 
All the trees immediately in front were felled, so that they 
fell away from the works; then the tops and branches were 
slashed, and tied, and twisted, so that, if we were not shooting, 
it would take an hour's time to climb through them ; when 
one imagines a steady line of good soldiers, behind a bullet- 
proof rampart shooting at every man advancing, it is not 
difficult to imagine the strength of our position. Of course, 
the line is so constructed that every part is covered by a 
flanking fire of both musketry and artillery. 

June ipth. Returned from the works at 8 a. m. this morn- 
ing, tired out, but in good spirits, as we indulged in a good 
deal of sport when the firing slacked. Had a good dinner, 
the sutler having finally found his way to camp. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Parisen returned from sick leave to-day, looking very 
well. We were all pleased to have him back with us. 

McCall's division, of Pennsylvania reserves, from Mc- 
Dowell's army, joined to-day, and were placed in position 
near Mechanicsville. 

June 20th. For the first time since the battle we slept 
all night without being turned out ; what a pleasant thing it 
is to be able to sleep enough ; want of sleep uses one up more 
than anything else. It is twenty-two days now since we slept 
without removing our clothes or accoutrements ; if we don't 
get enough of full regimentals, it will be because we are in- 
satiable. Notwithstanding the severe duty the men look well 
and are spruce and outwardly, at least, clean ; boots are 
blacked and accoutrements kept perfectly clean, but our 
clothes are getting shabby and have changed color sadly ; 
these blues are very uncertain. Rode over to Sumner's head- 
quarters this evening and heard various accounts of the late 
battle. Much fine writing, with gross exaggeration of trifles, 
and general disregard for accuracy. The little movement of 
our two flank companies has blossomed out into a splendid 
charge, led by General French in person, and his example is 



128 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

highly spoken of. "Vitian regit fortuna, non sapientia." How 
much many of our generals owe to the ubiquitous reporter. 
May their shadow never grow less. If the history of past 
ages is as much tainted as the history we are now making, 
then, alas, poor Yorick! 

June 21st. Weather broiling hot, and water as poor as 
can be ; the sick list growing longer all the time, whole regi- 
ments of men going to the hospitals. At 4 p. m. fell in for 
a brigade drill, the first drill we have had this side of the 
Chickahominy ; made a good appearance and performed 
promptly and correctly several complicated movements ; we 
all enjoyed the excitement and display. Drill dismissed at 
6:30 p. m. In the evening rode from one end to the other 
of the corps line ; turned in early. 

June 22d. Sunday morning. Splendid weather ; were 
routed out twice during the night, but nothing more than 
the ordinary firing occurred. Had a fine bath in the half 
barrel ; dressed in full uniform and took breakfast at nine 
o'clock with the colonel and the lieutenant-colonel ; at ten 
o'clock held regimental inspection, and the remainder of the 
day remained quietly in camp. In the evening, McKim, 
Broom, and I rode over to the camp of the Lincoln cavalry 
and renewed our acquaintance with Quartermaster Bailey, 
from whom I bought the gray. The cavalry officers tell us 
they have had glorious sport, scouting, raiding, and explor- 
ing the country on our right flank. They passed to the rear 
of the enemy the other day and created quite an alarm. They 
think the rebels are up to something and will soon make 
a move. It seems certain they will not otherwise hear from 
us, so that the rumor may be true. If we can't fight now, we 
never can, as it would be impossible to have troops in better 
condition. 

June 23d. Hot during the day, nothing important to 
note. In the course of the night it rained and blew terrifically. 
I was awakened by the tent blowing down on top of me and 
was obliged to crawl out and run to the guard house for assis- 
tance. Puffy, the quartermaster, who tents with me crawled 
out too, on the other side, swearing like a Dutch trooper. 
After a considerable struggle we succeeded in getting it up 
again and making the pegs hold ; the difficulty is the ground 
is all sand and when it rains hard the pegs will not hold, 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 129 

and, consequently, the tent must come down. We got a 
famous bath by the operation. 

June 24th. Almost every man in the regiment got a thor- 
ough drenching last night ; their arms, too. The colonel or- 
dered fires lighted to dry the blankets and clothing, and on 
the color line at break of day every ball cartridge was with- 
drawn and the men ordered to clean their muskets. After 
breakfast the regiment fell in, and arms were carefully in- 
spected, then reloaded. It is extraordinary how little the 
men require looking after in regard to their muskets ! There 
are few men who do not keep them in perfect order all the 
time. 

June 25th. The wind blew terrifically all day long. Early 
detailed six companies for picket duty. Shortly after they left 
camp the firing along the lines grew fast and furious, and at 
eight o'clock, we, with the other regiments of the brigade, were 
ordered to Seven Pines, to man the works in front of Heintzle- 
man's corps. We took position on the site of the original 
camp of Casey's division, now transformed into a formidable 
fortress. Heintzleman moved forward through a heavy piece 
of timber to a clearing in front and met with determined op- 
position. All the forts and redoubts belched forth their mur- 
derous fire over the heads of the advancing columns, and thus 
assisted, they drove the enemy before them and got within 
four miles of Richmond. If they had remained there, and we 
had all marched forward, it would have amounted to some- 
thing, but towards evening the whole force returned, and re- 
occupied their works, and we returned to our own camp. 
There was an immense expenditure of powder and shot, but 
little good resulted from it. 

June 26th. Magnificent day, with little or nothing doing 
until towards evening; then came a magnificent display of 
actual war. If the scene had been expressly prepared for our 
delectation it could not have been done in a more magnificent 
manner. Away to the right, the Chickahominy curves south- 
erly, flowing at the foot of high, rolling hills, fringed at their 
base with heavy masses of dark pines, their slopes and crest 
open and covered with the white canvas villages of Porter's 
corps. From our position, which is on lower ground, we look 
upwards, and have the entire position in full view, which is 
certainly at all times picturesquely beautiful. About four 



i 3 o DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

o'clock we were attracted by heavy cannonading, which grad- 
ually increased until every gun was brought into action. We 
mounted our horses and rode towards the river, and by the 
aid of our glasses watched the battle. At first there was little 
to be seen but by degrees the enemy's forces came into full 
view ; whole lines of batteries advancing in eschelon and 
firing with great rapidity ; the slopes were soon enveloped in 
a mass of smoking clouds, through which the flashes from 
the guns only was visible. For a long time the deep mouthed 
cannon played its part alone, and we concluded it was nothing 
more than a great artillery duel. Along towards six o'clock, 
however, the long, continuous roll of infantry fire told us of 
a serious attack. We strained our eyes to catch a glimpse 
between the curling clouds of white-wreathed smoke, but 
could see nothing except the lightning-like streaks of flame, 
which issued from the muzzles of the guns, this indicating to 
us, however, the progress of the fight, and to our chagrin we 
noted the gradual withdrawal of Porter's lines and corre- 
sponding advance of the enemy's. Darkness at length sus- 
pended operations, and we returned to our quarters. In our 
own front nothing unusual happened, but we are all convinced 
the enemy has at last concluded to go for us. If they only 
would have selected our front, how happy we should be. It 
is absolutely certain they would be defeated, and nothing 
would give us more pleasure ; we can hold our works against 
the whole Confederacy combined. At a late hour we turned 
in, after taking a whiskey sour, fully expecting to be called 
upon during the night. Last night we were out every half 
hour. 

June 2/tJi. Contrary to expectations, the night was un- 
usually quiet. We only fell in twice and remained in line 
less than hour, all told. At daybreak, however, a general 
fusilade opened all along the line, and the troops were kept 
under arms till seven o'clock. Then came a general lull, dur- 
ing which we got our breakfast. Heard from the right later 
on that Porter had been obliged to contract his lines and 
expected a renewal of the attack. What seems remarkable 
is that we are not sent over there to assist him in holding 
the position. 

About 2 p. m. the enemy renewed the attack on Porter's 
corps, while we stood under arms and watched the whole 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 131 

affair. This time no skirmish line commenced the fight, but 
immense lines of infantry, under cover of scores of guns, 
marched directly to the attack, followed by several other lines 
in succession. It was a fine sight for us, but as the rebel 
line of fire gradually advanced and ours retired, we grew ner- 
vous and wondered whether we were to stand by and see them 
thrashed, without being called to their assistance. Every little 
while a fusilade broke out on our front, but did not amount 
to much. Colonel Zook, who was field officer of the day, 
came in and reported most of the enemy's force in front had 
disappeared. He crept out in advance of the picket line, and 
saw a whole lot of niggers parading, beating drums, and mak- 
ing a great noise ; with true military instinct he concluded 
the enemy in front had gone to join in the attack on Porter 
and immediately rode in to General Sumner and demanded 
permission to lead an attack, asserting his ability to convince 
the general at once of the truth of his discovery. General 
Sumner was afraid to act on his own responsibility, but sent 
an aide to General McClellan to report the colonel's conclusion, 
and that was the last we heard about the matter. Zook was 
greatly chagrined and amazed at the want of activity on Sum- 
ner's part, feeling certain we could have got into Richmond 
or into the rear of Lee's army. Nothing was done, however, 
to distract the rebels' attention, and they were allowed to 
continue the fight with their whole army against our one 
corps. In the meantime, the battle progressed with great 
fury ; the fighting was stubborn, our men falling back slowly 
and reluctantly, fighting every inch of the ground ; the hills 
soon became entirely enveloped in thick smoke, the flashes 
only visible from the big guns, so we could only judge of 
the result by the sound of the musketry ; this sufficiently indi- 
cated the gradual advance of the rebels and increased our 
anxiety. At three o'clock, Meagher's Irish brigade, of our 
division, was ordered across to Porter's assistance and a little 
later we received similar orders. We started immediately 
and marched directly for the pontoon bridge at the bend of 
the river; here there was some delay, waiting for orders. 
About six o'clock we crossed over and ascended the steep 
hill on the north side, which was crowded with a disorderly 
mass of wounded men and skulkers, all making their way to 
the rear. Rush's regiment of lancers was riding furiously 



132 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

and aimlessly about the road, adding to the excitement. As 
the immediate rear of a battle is always a disorderly place, 
we did not think much of it and marched briskly forward to 
the heights above, and there formed in line of battle. Every- 
thing about us was in disorder; troops to right and left were 
hurrying away, and there was no doubt but that Porter's corps 
was thrashed. After standing in line a while, we were ordered 
to move forward and select the best position we could find. 
There was no one to lead the way, and General French was 
not to be found, so we went ahead, passing a deserted field 
battery and a splendid siege battery, whose horses had been 
killed and the guns abandoned ; at a loss what to do we moved 
down the side of the hill towards the rebels' line, which was 
not, however, in sight, and finding a good ridge halted and 
lay down in a field of very tall grass. It was quite dusk by 
this time, and the action was over; the rebel batteries, how- 
ever, fired at us with solid shot and made it slightly uncom- 
fortable. The colonel threw out a skirmish line a short dis- 
tance in front and directed me to ride back and find French 
and explain our position and get instructions. I rode back 
over the field now deserted, or occupied only by dead men 
and horses and abandoned guns, a most melancholy sight. I 
searched a long time without finding a solitary man ; apparent- 
ly, our brigade was alone in front, all the other troops having 
gone to the rear. I passed through an orchard, near which 
the siege guns were deserted, and after wandering about for 
some time, stumbled on General French, sitting beneath an 
apple tree, and told him where we were and asked for in- 
struction. He said he did not know what was on our right or 
left, but that there must be somebody, and I must go back and 
try and make connections, if it had not already been done. He 
further directed Zook to hold the line at all hazards until re- 
lieved ; then he added, confidentially, that he expected we 
should be withdrawn during the night, so there was no neces- 
sity for any particular formation. Billy was with the general, 
who was not very well. On my way back, I rode past the 
field hospital, where strewn around a house were hundreds 
and hundreds of wounded men, crying and groaning, while in 
the house, by the aid of candles and lamps, the surgeons were 
working away, stripped to their shirt sleeves. This time I 
passed many lines of troops, all marching to the rear, which 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 133 

satisfied me we were going to abandon the position before 
daylight. I had much trouble in finding the brigade, and 
as the enemy still sent their round shot skipping around the 
field, it was anything but a comfortable ride ; finally, I came 
out in the right place and explained the situation to the col- 
onel, who suspected what had happened. While we lay in 
the long grass, keeping a sharp lookout, Doctor Dean came 
straggling in from the front, with thirty men, who proved 
to belong to the Sixth Alabama regiment. He had strayed 
outside the picket line and ran into a squad of men who asked 
him where the Sixth Alabama lay. He told them to follow 
him, which they did, coming directly into our line. They were 
highly disgusted ; not disguising their chagrin at being de- 
ceived and captured by a sawbones. We gained some knowl- 
edge of the rebel lines from these prisoners, which induced 
us to change ours somewhat on the left. No adventure of any 
kind occurred during the night. Just before daylight Billy 
came along and gave an order to withdraw and form the 
rear guard, Meagher's brigade preceding us, and everything 
else in the shape of troops, guns, supplies, and ambulances. 
French rode up to us when we reached the large orchard, 
and told Colonel Zook we had been selected for continuous 
service as rear guard, on account of our reputation for dis- 
cipline, and must be prepared for all contingencies. Porter's 
corps had been withdrawn during the night, and I was re- 
joiced to find the abandoned siege battery I noticed last night 
conspicuous by its absence. I felt an extreme pleasure to 
think it was not to be left behind. All the badly wounded were 
to be abandoned. Surgeons have been detailed to remain 
behind and care for them. We hear over thirty guns have 
been abandoned, but hope this is not true. Just as we reached 
the brow of the hill descending to the river over which we 
advanced yesterday, an immense pile of stores of all kinds 
was set on fire, and in a few moments was a mass of flames. 
The enemy made no attempt to follow or interrupt our retreat, 
and by daybreak we were across the river and the bridge 
destroyed. Our brigade marched directly to their camp, 
struck tents, and loaded everything not absolutely necessary 
into the wagons ; as soon as this was done the wagon train 
started off in the direction of Savage's Station. 

After the wagon train started, the regiment lay down on 



i 3 4 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

their arms to await further orders and the colonel and I rode 
over to our one place of general information, Sumner's head- 
quarters, where from Captain Taylor we are always sure 
to get all the information it is legitimate to give. He is a 
genial, pleasant gentleman and remembers us all familiarly 
since our Camp California experiences brought us so much 
together. We learned from him that Stuart's cavalry and 
Early's division of infantry had been making a grand raid 
around the rear of our army, tearing up railroads, destroy- 
ing, and capturing stores; intercepting communications, and 
generally scaring everybody into tits. The result of this great 
raid is the determination oi General McClellan to change 
his base from Pamunkey to the James river ; and, hence, 
the refusal to support Porter and right a great battle. 
In fact, we are to turn tail, without making any further effort 
to perform the duty we came here for. and under the respect- 
able guise of a change of base are really to give up the effort 
to capture Richmond, at least for the time being. This is 
not all: we are to attempt a most difficult and dangerous 
operation, in which we must abandon all our dead and 
wounded, to say nothing of immense quantities of every kind 
of stores. It is certainly mortifying to contrast our present 
situation with what might have been, and what we had good 
reason to believe would have been, if we bad a genius in com- 
mand. 

In order to get to the James, we must cross the White 
Oak swamp; a densely wooded morass, varying from one to 
two feet in water, passable only by two or three wood roads. 
There are many roads from Richmond intersecting the cross- 
ing, which will afford ample opportunity for the enemy to 
make himself felt, and in the course of events will no doubt 
play an important part in the retreat. Casey's division, which 
was on duty at the White House, has gone by transport around 
to the James already, together with the whole fleet of trans- 
ports, gunboats, floating hospitals, etc. ; all the stores that 
could not be loaded into wagons have been destroved. 



CHAPTER X 

" In all the trade of war, no feat 
Is better, than a brave retreat." 

THE GREAT SIX DAYS* RETREAT, AND BATTLES FROM FAIR OAKS 
STATION TO HARRISON LANDING, ON THE JAMES RIVER 

June 28, 1862. 

IT seems almost incredible that this fine army, planted solidly, 
so near Richmond that the ringing of the bells within the 
city can be distinctly heard in its camps, should give up the 
task, surrender its magnificent works, much of its immense 
supplies, and undertake a difficult and dangerous movement, 
without making one supreme effort to accomplish its original 
purpose. Such is the determination of the general command- 
ing however, ami our great expectations are frustrated and 
in the judgment of most of us, without sufficient cause. The 
whole army is disgusted, and greatly disappointed ; much more 
anxious to fight than retreat, and ready on the instant to make 
a dash forward at the signal of its commander, however, "Ours 
not to reason why." Throughout the 28th there was a complete 
lull ; the enemy apparently loth to follow up his success, prob- 
ably from his astonishment at our withdrawing from the 
Gaines' Mill position. The delay on his part was of the great- 
est importance to us as it gave the teams and impedimenta 
time to get well ahead. We remained under arms during the 
day, and throughout the night, but did not move. Just before 
daylight next morning, the 29th, the entire corps, under cover 
of a slight fog, withdrew from the works, and massed just in 
rear of them. The picket line was left in front, in order to de- 
ceive the enemy as long as possible as to our movements, at the 
risk of its ultimate capture. At sunrise the fog lifted, exposing 
the abandoned works to the enemy's view from Gaines' mill, 
Franklin, who had occupied the works on our right, moved to 
the rear, and right, taking a position from the Chickahominv, 
to Savage's Station, which protected our rear. As there was 
nothing to prevent the rebel army from closing in upon us, we 
prepared for an immediate attack. Summer, surrounded by 

135 



i 5 b DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

his staff, sat on horseback from long before daylight, anxiously 
awaiting the order to retire. Zook, French, and a crowd of 
staff officers formed another picturesque group, while the men 
lay down, quietly waiting for orders, apparently unconcerned. 
About 8 o'clock, the order came to fall back in the direction 
of Peach Orchard and Savage's Station, and was promptly 
obeyed. Near Peach Orchard, the column was halted and 
dispositions made to hold the ground. Our division had the 
right of the line, connecting with Franklin : Sedgwick came 
next, connecting with Heintzleman ; and so we formed an im- 
mense arc. the right resting on the Chickahominy, the center 
on Peach Orchard, and the left on White Oak swamp. Our 
brigade took position in the front line, Caldwell now com- 
manding Howard's brigade, forming the second line, with Haz- 
zard's battery posted just in rear. When everything was 
prepared to resist the advance of the enemy, heavy details were 
made to destroy the immense accumulation of stores the wagons 
were unable to carry away. There were thousands of boxes 
of bread, hundreds of barrels of whiskey, pork. beef, vinegar, 
molasses, etc.. thousands of bags of coffee, piles of every 
kind of equipment, clothing, and a famous rocket battery, 
that had excited great hopes. All these things were quickiy 
piled together, the whiskey barrels stove in, and then set 
on fire. The flames leaped from box to barrel, from base 
to summit, like a lightning flash, while black wooly looking 
clouds of dense smoke curled and rolled and spread over the 
surrounding country, advising the enemy beyond doubt of our 
intentions. In a few seconds, the fire became a seething furnace 
of white heat, from which all were obliged to run for their 
lives. As the fire reached the whiskey barrels, great explosions 
followed, filling the air with burning debris. It was a magnifi- 
cent fire, and fully accomplished its end, but a sad sight to see 
so much valuable property destroyed, in order to keep it out 
of the hands of the enemy. As soon as the rebel officers saw 
the smoke and heard the great explosions, they cautiously ad- 
vanced their line until they came within sight of our dear old 
works. Finding no one to defend them, they sent up a howling 
yell, and immediately occupied them. Our picket line had 
gradually retired as soon as we had taken up the position at 
Peach Orchard, and were now at the edge of the woods in 
which we were formed. Towards nine o'clock we saw the 




Major-General W. H. French. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 137 

enemy forming his columns of attack, and moving towards 
Sedgwick's front. Very shortly a number of guns opened upon 
us, and shelled the woods we were in. Hazzard's battery re- 
plied over our heads, and the whizzing of shells flying both 
ways, made a great row. In a few moments the enemy's in- 
fantry came up with the utmost confidence, but were met by 
a tremendous fire from the Fifty-third, Fifty-seventh, and Six- 
ty-sixth regiments, commanded by Zook, French being sick. 
There was no confusion this time, nor hesitancy ; every man 
stood to his work, and for over an hour, the fight was fast and 
furious ; we holding firmly to our position and three times drove 
the enemy back with great loss. About ten o'clock Captain 
Pettit, the beau ideal artillery officer of the army, came on the 
field with his eight ten-pounder Parrots, and soon silenced the 
enemy's guns. They advanced again later on, but hesitatingly. 
Our men delivered a well directed volley and amid ringing 
cheers, charged, and drove every thing before them, clearing 
the ground in front for over a mile. I was acting adjutant 
general of the brigade, and had a good opportunity of seeing 
what was going on. The last repulse was enough for the 
Johnnies for the time being, and they withdrew out of sight. 
The attack was general, from Franklin on the right, to Heintzle- 
man on the left, everywhere persistent, and in some places 
impetuous, determined, and well maintained, but everywhere 
unsuccessful. The Stars and Stripes, fluttering in the breeze 
in the tangled mazes of the woods, or in the open fields, never 
sheltered more gallant men, than those who this day defended 
its sacred folds. There was no skulking, nor hesitancy, but a 
fearless determination to hold the ground at all hazards. As 
soon as the rebels were driven out of sight, we gathered up 
the wounded, and carried them to Savage's Station, where the 
immense hospitals containing over twenty-five hundred patients, 
were established. When this was done, we contracted our lines 
about Savage's Station, again taking a defensive position, to 
protect the retrograde movement. Here we found Slocum's 
division just preparing to follow Heintzelman into the great 
swamp, which began at the declivity of a steep hill, a short 
distance in rear of the Station. We formed in front of the 
station, connecting on the right with Smith's division of 
Franklin's corps, which extended to the Chickahominy, and on 
the left with Sedgwick, who continued the line to the swamp, 



138 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

covering the roads over which the troops were retreating. The 
enemy had discovered our intention by this time, and were 
swarming across the Chickahominy by thousands, eager to 
complete the annihilation of the Union army, which they seemed 
to think a foregone conclusion. Great bodies of rebels were 
reported marching down the Charles City, Darbytown, and 
Long Bridge roads, which intersected our line of march within 
the dismal swamp, and matters certainly looked very serious, 
but did not make us in the least despondent. General Mc- 
Clellan took every precaution for guarding these threatened 
intersections, stopping a full corps at every threatened spot, 
and only retiring when another had come up, and was ready 
to take its place. Soon after taking position, we examined 
the ground in rear, and found in an immense field near 
to the swamp, a great park of wagons, ambulances and 
artillery, and several thousand men, in close column, await- 
ing their turn to move along. We saw at once that it 
would be necessary for us to hold the ground till long 
after dark, to enable them to get away, and so we re- 
turned to the front, and busied ourselves with strengthening 
the lines. About three o'clock the enemy appeared in force all 
along the line ; clouds of skirmishers covered the advancing 
lines of battle, which soon drove in our pickets. We held our 
fire until they came within easy range, and then poured volley 
after volley into them, and the artillery, well posted, fired shell 
and shrapnel with capital effect. The firing easily kept the 
rebels in check although they formed and broke, and formed 
again, several times during the afternoon. Their losses were 
enormous, but they evidently thought it worth the while to risk 
everything to capture the Grand Army. Just before sunset 
a heavy line of infantry, under cover of a heavy artillery fire, 
marched boldly up to within a few hundred yards of our posi- 
tion, delivered a deafening volley, and then, amidst the wildest 
yells, gallantly charged our whole front. Our men stood like 
rocks, carefully reserving their fire till the rebels got within a 
hundred yards of them, then opened such a murderous fire, 
that half the advancing hosts were placed hors du combat. At 
once, observing the effect of the fire, our line gave one grand 
Union cheer, and charged at the point of the bayonet, driving 
everything before them. The smoke was so dense we could 
see nothing for a while, which stood the enemy in good stead, 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 139 

and enabled many of them to get away who otherwise would 
have been captured ; as it was, we got many and killed them 
by the score. The woods in front now being cleared, we fell 
back to our original position, and awaited orders to retire. The 
artillery, however, keeping up a steady fire of shells, to let them 
know we were still on guard. After dark the situation became 
horrible ; everywhere about us the ground was strewn with 
dead and wounded men and the cries of the latter in the still 
night air were most distressing. Stern necessity compelled us 
to leave most of them where they fell, to bleed to death, and 
to suffer unspeakable anguish in the dark sombre woods, or 
star lit fields. A great many, near the station, were brought 
in by parties from the hospitals, but as the hospitals were full, 
they could only place them on the grounds surrounding the 
large tents. Still, this was better than lying alone in the dis- 
tant fields, and all were anxious for even this relief. The 
numerous parties, searching the fields and woods, with lanterns, 
gave a weird and melancholy appearance to the surroundings. 
There must have been several thousand rebel dead and 
wounded scattered about the fields, most of whom, being fur- 
thest away, were entirely neglected. About nine o'clock, the 
colonel and I rode to the rear, to see how the retreat was 
progressing, and were glad to find the wagons, ambulances, 
and artillery all gone ; their small deserted camp fires alone in- 
dicating the position they had occupied. A column of infantry, 
moving at a rapid pace down the hill into the black swamp, 
showed the column was well under way, so we returned to our 
command, to await orders. On our way back, we rode past the 
great hospitals, and were astonished to see such a multitude of 
wounded men. Hundreds of those brought in from Peach 
Orchard and the evening's battle field, lay on the ground 
about the tents, and hard-working surgeons, lanterns in hand, 
were going amongst them here and there, saving a gallant life 
by timely aid. It began to rain as we rode past, which added to 
the distress of this great multitude of wounded and dying men. 
Something after nine o'clock, an aide from General Richardson 
rode up, and informed Zook that his brigade would form the 
rear guard, assisted by two light twelves from Thomas's bat- 
tery, which had been ordered to report to him. We mounted 
our horses, and impatiently waited the signal to withdraw, 
which came about ten o'clock. I was ordered to ride in rear of 



i 4 o DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

the column and keep the colonel informed as to the situation; 
and so while the colonel passed to the right I went to the left, 
notifying regimental commanders to move off by the left flank ; 
as we used no bugles or drums, it was necessary to convey all 
commands by aide or orderly. We marched out of the woods, 
past the hospitals, and down the declivity leading into the 
swamp. I took a position just at the edge of the swamp under 
the shadow of the huge dark pines, sitting on horseback, en- 
tirely alone, watching the troops as they rapidly marched past, 
occasionally taking in the gloomy prospect above, where thou- 
sands of our bravest men were to be deserted, and left to the 
mercy of the enemy ; luckily, not entirely so, as we left nearly 
five hundred doctors and attendants, besides enormous supplies 
for their use. From my position, I could see the will-o-the- 
wisp lanterns of the hospital parties moving about the battle 
field, still searching for wounded men, and the dying embers of 
abandoned camp fires, but everything else was shrouded in 
darkness, not a single star being visible in the heavens. 

The column came stretching over the hill, like some great 
serpent, only occasionally distinguishable by the reflection of a 
stray camp fire on the bright bayonets, except directly in front, 
where it formed a solid dark mass, moving rapidly forward, 
controlled by a single mind. As the last regiment passed by, I 
detached the rear company and ordered the section of artillery 
to take its place, the company to follow about two hundred 
yards in rear. The guns were loaded with cannister in readi- 
ness to make it uncomfortable for any one attempting to hurry 
our movements. Xow we opened our haversacks, and as the 
horses and men stepped out at a rattling pace, ate the first 
mouthful of food since early dawn, and washed it down with 
copious supplies of can de vie. There were no obstructions 
ahead, and the men marched so rapidly, they crowded the 
horses all the time. It was amusing to notice the anxiety of the 
horses to keep up with their companions ; they seemed to rec- 
ognize the necessity for keeping well closed up ; and whether 
their riders were asleep or awake, carefully kept their places in 
the ranks. There was no straggling, as that meant certain 
capture ; and so it happened that scarcely a word was spoken 
by any one throughout the night, and the pace never relaxed. 
\Ye occasionally encountered a broken down wagon, which was 
summarily pitched into the swamp with its contents, and the 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 141 

column passed along again, making every effort to get across 
before daylight. Another road, running parallel to this on our 
right, was used by troops of Franklin's corps, but was not with- 
in sight, or hailing distance. They both emerged from the 
swamp at the White Oak swamp stream, a deep river, only 
passable by bridges, separating the swamp from the high roll- 
ing ground on the other side. Our object was to get across the 
swamp, destroy the bridges, and take a defensive position on 
the high ground on the other side before daylight hold it dur- 
ing the day, and continue the retrograde movement the follow- 
ing night. This allowed for the movement of the trains, and 
was essential for the safety of the whole army. We found the 
utmost difficulty in keeping awake, having had no sleep the 
preceding night ; I went off several times, but Billy never lost 
his place, and did just as well without my guidance. On either 
side of us the swamp was knee deep in water, and probably 
three times that depth, in mud, effectually securing our flanks, 
so that there was no danger from attack except in rear : our 
whole energy therefore, was confined to moving ahead as fast 
as possible. It seemed a terribly long night; I thought of Zeno- 
phon and his nine hundred and all the other notable retreats I 
could think of, and wondered whether they were any better 
soldiers than we, or capable of making greater efforts. 

About four o'clock we emerged from this miasmatic terra 
incognita, and came out into the open country. Across the 
river, the ground was high and open, and already covered with 
the guns of the Second corps in position. We marched rapidly 
across the bridge, and up the hill, where the rest of our division 
were lying asleep, in rear of the artillery. Forming the brigade 
in line of battle, three or four hundred yards in rear of the crest 
of the hill, parallel to the lines already established, and just in 
front of Caldwell's brigade, the Seventh New York, lying im- 
mediately in rear of the Fifty-seventh. As soon as the brigade 
was formed, the colonel directed me to ride back to the bridge 
and stay there, until it was destroyed. The pioneer corps had 
been at work on it since the moment of our crossing, and when 
I returned I found it already impassable, with hundreds of men 
chopping it away. We picketed the front along the stream, 
connecting on the left with that part of the army which crossed 
at Glendale, and on the right as far into the heavy woods and 
swamp as was necessary to secure that flank, and then awaited 



i 4 2 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

developments. We marched across the swamp, left in front, so 
that upon facing about and confronting the foe, we were always 
right in front. It is necessary to explain this in order to under- 
stand the relative positions. Facing then to the front the new 
position seemed admirable. On the right was a heavy piece of 
timber, extending back from the river six or eight hundred 
yards ; in front, say half a mile in width, the ground was open, 
high, and gradually sloping back to the woods nearly a mile in 
rear, through which the road to James river lay. On the left 
the woods were dense, reaching to Glendale, the next crossing 
on the left, and from thence our lines extended clear back to 
the James river at Malvern Hill, where Porter's corps was al- 
ready in position. McCall's division was at Newmarket road, 
Slocum on the Charles City road, and Kearney between the 
two, with Hooker's next, connecting with our division of the 
Second corps. The line of defense conformed to the peculiarity 
of the ground, generally following the swamp from the right to 
Glendale, thence crossing to the left, until resting on Malvern 
Hill. The success of the movement entirely depended upon our 
ability to hold this position till after nightfall, as the teams 
would occupy the roads the whole day, and render any move- 
ment of troops impossible. The ground we occupied, made his- 
torical by our defense, presented a very interesting appearance, 
when we went into position. We being the rear guard were of 
course the last troops to come up. In front, the crest of 
the hill was bristling with guns, Hazzard's, Mott's, Ayers's, 
and Thomas's batteries, commanding the bridge, road, and 
swamp. To the left and rear was parked a splendid pontoon 
train, apparently deserted, and in the rear, and on the right, 
between the heavy timber land, the ground was literally 
covered with wagons, their teams unhitched, going to and 
from the river, where they were taken to water by the 
teamsters, preparatory to an early start. All the troops 
were lying down, almost every one fast asleep, and with 
the exception of the braying of the mules, and the chop- 
ping of the pioneer corps, all was quiet, and peaceful. As 
I had to await the complete destruction of the bridge, I dis- 
mounted ; passed the bridle over an arm and lay down, and in 
a moment was fast asleep. Suddenly I jumped to my feet, 
awakened by what seemed to be a most terrific earthquake 
shock. Looking about me, I saw across the river a little to the 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 143 

left twenty-four guns within easy range furiously shelling our 
position. The hill upon which their guns were placed, the 
other side the stream, was ablaze with fire, and the air over my 
head filled with shot and shell, howling, screeching, and explod- 
ing amongst the guns and men on the ground above. At the 
very opening, the mules took fright and galloped wildly about 
the field. Many of the teamsters, panic-stricken, leaped upon 
their backs, and galloped to the rear at full speed, overthrowing 
everybody and everything in their way. At the train, the stam- 
pede was complete ; everybody, and every team galloped away 
as fast as possible, abandoning the wagons to find safety for 
themselves. The scene was so ridiculous, that for a moment 
the men forgot the enemy's fire, to laugh at the misfortunes of 
the quartermaster's department. It was not long however, be- 
fore the officers in charge stopped the skeedaddle, brought 
their men and teams back again, and marched off their trains 
in good order. The bridge being destroyed I rode up the hill to 
the brigade ; gave Seth my horse, and went to the center of the 
Fifty-seventh regiment, and lay down alongside the colonel and 
Captain McKay, just behind the men. We all lay flat on our 
bellies, eyes fixed on the rising ground in front, where most of 
the shells struck and then came ricocheting down the slope 
amongst us. We could do nothing but try and dodge them, the 
batteries alone being able to reply. Hazzard and the other 
batteries, replied vigorously, and for three hours sustained this 
iron storm, losing heavily in both men and horses. Some of 
Hazzard's caissons were blown up, and Ayers lost a gun, dis- 
mounted. Finally Hazzard was obliged to withdraw, out of 
ammunition, and pretty well disabled. His place was taken 
by Captain Pettit, who came on the ground at a trot and as 
usual with him, got the enemy's range the first shot. In 
a few minutes the tables were turned, and now it was the 
enemy's caissons which blew up, and they were obliged to shift 
their position half a dozen times in half an hour, finally with- 
drawing out of range. 

While we lay on our faces, dodging the shot and shell, Mc- 
Kay was struck in the heel, and yelled, like a Comanche Indian. 
He had to be carried off the field, and sent to the rear. 

The regiment in rear of us, the Seventh New York, was 
particularly unfortunate; losing a file or two of men, every 
few minutes, they kept a pioneer party, constantly at work, 



i 4 4 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

burying their men as fast as they were killed, just in rear 
of the regiment. Shortly after the cannonade commenced, 
the rebels sent forward a line of skirmishers and made a 
dash for the bridge, but were easily repulsed by the picket 
line. They next attempted to cross further to the right, 
and brought on a lively affair, in which they were ultimately 
worsted. The serious attempt, however, was not on our front, 
but at Glendale, and still further to the left. Here the enemy 
concentrated his forces, and made the most heroic, and persis- 
tent efforts to break through. Throughout the entire morn- 
ing the fight was continued, and severe deafening volleys of 
musketry came rolling through the woods, and were echoed 
back from hill to hill, until the earth seemed to shake from its 
foundation. About noon, Meagher's Irish brigade, of our 
division, was sent to their assistance, followed a short time 
afterwards by Caldwell's, leaving us alone to defend the swamp. 
The contest at Glendale was prolonged till evening, and we were 
greatly delighted to observe the position unchanged since 
morning, judging by the firing, which is generally a safe guide. 
If we could hold the enemy in check throughout the day, against 
his best efforts, we should have nothing to fear, for by the next 
morning we should be in position on the James, our rear secure, 
and in condition to fight and win. In our own front, Pettit 
gained complete control about noon, and kept the enemy's bat- 
teries quiet. The captain is a charming, quiet, harmless person 
to his friends; but a terror to the enemies of his country. As 
soon as he gained control, he arranged for sighting his guns 
on the bridge after dark, by driving a series of sticks into the 
ground in front of his pieces, in such a manner that the gun 
trained on them would exactly command the bridge, and so we 
could hold our position as long as we choose. About dark 
firing ceased along the whole front and nothing but the minute 
guns fired by Pettit at the bridge and the chopping of the 
enemy's pioneers broke the stillness of the summer evening. 
Towards eight o'clock, some one set fire to the pontoon train, 
which for some reason unknown to us, had been abandoned. 
There being no horses to haul it away, nothing could be done 
but destroy it. Tt probably cost fifty thousand dollars at the 
least, and ought never to have been abandoned. The enemy be- 
gan chopping timber to repair the bridge as soon as it became 
dark, and the ring of their axes, the regular and monotonous 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 145 

discharge of the cannon, followed by the bursting of the shells 
in the swamp below, and the burning pontoons in rear, made 
the situation memorable, and extremely fascinating. The 
troops stacked arms after dark, and lounged in rear of them, 
doing what they pleased, which was a great relief from lying 
prone throughout the day. 

General French resumed command at daybreak and Colo- 
nel Zook went to his regiment. After dark he ordered 
Zook to assume command again for the night, so we mounted 
our horses, and rode entirely around the brigade and down 
near the broken bridge to observe the shells explode, which 
generally happened exactly over it, effectually preventing the 
rebels from repairing it. At nine o'clock, an aide from Gen- 
eral Richardson, reported the roads ahead free, and directed 
us to retire. The order was given, and with astonishing 
alacrity the column formed and resumed the march to the 
James; moving by the left flank again, we soon reached the 
main road running through heavy timber, and as the night was 
cool and the road superb, the men stepped out most astonish- 
ingly. Two of Pettit's guns remained in position with a com- 
pany of infantry until half an hour after the column was fully 
stretched out; then firing their last shot, both guns at once, 
limbered up, and joined the column at the trot, giving the in- 
fantry company a lively shaking up. The rebels were now at 
liberty to repair the bridge and follow as fast as they chose. 
With good roads, free of obstruction, and a two hours' start, no 
infantry could overtake us and cavalry dare not, so we felt 
perfectly comfortable; when the column was well closed up and 
all in motion, I rode ahead and joined the colonel and staff, and 
again ate hard tack, drank more commissary, and smoked my 
pipe, our horses walking for dear life to keep out of the way 
of the men. Frequently during the night we fell asleep, but the 
horses kept their places in the column, without any effort on 
our part. 

During the march we captured several rebel scouts, who 
were standing by the road side watching our movements, and 
hustled them into our ranks, but every one pf them managed 
to escape before daylight. In this way, we marched all night 
long without a halt, emerging into an immense open plain, in 
sight of the James river shortly after daylight. Off to the 
right lay gunboats and transports riding at anchor, while the 



146 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

immense plain, low flat river land apparently, was entirely 
covered with wagons, ambulances, forges, etc., etc. There were 
no troops in sight and the teams and wagons were spread all 
over in the greatest confusion. After the colonel had taken a 
view of the surroundings, and noted the lack of defensive meas- 
ures, and the absence of any one to direct our movements, he 
halted the column, formed it in line of battle across the road we 
had marched over, then stacked arms, and ordered the men to 
rest. Everybody lay down and fell asleep at once. Seth took 
my horse, and for the first time in three days removed his sad- 
dle. Billy lost no time in taking a roll and showing his pleasure 
at being free of incumbrances. As we were much exhausted, we 
slept soundly and were not disturbed until about eight o'clock, 
when the colonel woke me up and said he thought things looked 
suspiciously like a surrender; and seemed very nervous. He 
ordered me to ride until I found somebody to report to, and so, 
accompanied by an orderly, I rode away, traversing vast camps 
of wagons and artillery, and in fact everything but troops, and 
wondered what had become of the army. In the course of half 
an hour's travel, I found myself in front of a line of wall tents, 
pitched along the bank of the river. I enquired for army head- 
quarters, and was not surprised to learn that this was the spot, 
but that the general-in-chief and most of his staff were on the 
gunboat Galena. I waited a long time for some one to turn 
up, and was at last rewarded by one of Sumner's staff officers 
appearing on the scene. He said orders had already been sent 
to the brigade to move into position, and explained the absence 
of troops from the plains by stating that the army was in posi- 
tion on the high ground above, admirably posted, and that the 
trains were perfectly secure. This put altogether a better 
aspect on the state of affairs and so, taking a loving view of 
the beautiful river, and graceful forms of the vessels at anchor, 
which reminded me so much of home, I turned reluctantly 
away, and rode back to the brambly wilderness. I met Zook 
some time afterwards, riding at the head of the brigade, head- 
ing for the steep hill above and told him what I had seen and 
heard. Our orders were to go into position at Malvern Hill, 
the name of the great hills overlooking the river ; and there fight 
our last fight, and make our last stand, for win or lose, we could 
no further go ; and so our night marches for the present at least 
were over. When we reached the summit of the high ground 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 147 

above, about half past nine o'clock, we saw a fine open country, 
gradually sloping back from our position to the rear, fringed 
with thick woods at a distance of perhaps a mile in our front, to 
less than half that distance on the left. 

The army was collected here, and formed in a semicircle, 
either flank resting on the James, supported by gunboats on 
the river. On the left, the ground rises to form a considerable 
hill, around which were clustered the whole reserve artillery of 
the army, thirty-two pounders, heavy siege guns, and with 
twenty, ten, and twelve-pounders sandwiched in or posted lower 
down the slopes. The field was in every way admirably adapted 
for the use of artillery ; and whenever or wherever a battery 
could be of use, it was promptly on hand. The enemy were fir- 
ing a few shells as we advanced, and several dead horses lay 
about the field. We moved forward a few hundred yards and 
went into position in the center of the army, our whole corps 
being in reserve. In this position, we commanded the entire 
field, and could see everything going on. The day was glorious, 
bright and clear, and judging from the surroundings, the Army 
of the Potomac was just as lively as ever and in a most advan- 
tageous position. Porter held the left, Heintzleman and Keys 
the center ; and Franklin the right. During the day the artillery 
fire was almost constant; the enemy at times pushing forward 
field guns, in the vain attempt to silence our heavy batteries. 
Towards three o'clock the enemy's infantry appeared, streaming 
down the road along the river side, and into the woods in front 
of Porter, where they formed for the attack. Our dispositions 
were promptly made, and everything got ready to receive them. 
They did not keep us long in suspense. Under cover of strong 
skirmish lines, they advanced in brigade masses, and made a 
desperate and savage attack upon the great hill, the key to our 
position. When they emerged from the woods, they were met 
by the shells of the thirty-two pounders, which exploding in 
front of them, tore huge gaps in their column. Gallantly clos- 
ing up the ranks, they advanced at the charge, yelling furiously ; 
the ground seemed to shake to its foundations, as at once 
hundreds of guns poured forth a storm of iron hail. The whole 
reserve force of artillery was in full play, and from shell to 
shrapnel, and thence to cannister, all played its alloted part. 
Still they advanced, although, as we could plainly see, more than 
one-half their men already covered the ground. Finally, as they 



i$ DIARY OF / ^QUNG QFFft EB 

. i ,. ■•--], il,< if l< ii fj.ini' !,< ■ • ■ .• • ■ •, g 

■ -I in thi • (Jiati )/ op< ti' d )"< with shocM 

i/ijr .ukI t« MiU« <ff"l I )),< Li1l< i y j,< Ji to ),,' fjJ< ']' .)))); 

/'Ji< / into them, mowing them down by hundreds J> 

.i <]|<.l')illj Sight, .Jj/jAJl « Jill/ lj'/j/<.<:: j',1 l|,< <),<)!>/, -J J J * J y<l 

lli. y persisted; ni.tny '/) lli> m ..'Iii.j!' gl • ■ ■ ■ ■'■/_< 

so4 sustained foj ■ ■■■■■ minutes the fire of our infantry Then 

id. / tin ii< <), .in. i ran, bul only to b< ■ iceeeded by others 
. ours : ■ • . ■ • . gain Hi. / i. form* d al the « dg( 

III. /•.■.' , . ,. |.| y< 11 ., : ■ ;■. J.niljy < .mi.- j',l 

ward, hoping againsi hope, to on During thi 

action thi gunboi then hundred pound shells, dropp 

Hi. in into thi woods when ilx enemy formed, by th< aid oi 

■...I officers, creating dreadful confusion, i ■•< >> ii thi y did nol 
ini anything \w so tiv fighl continued until about 
o - lo< If ; the ew < nding foi ward fr< sh assauli 

• oiums, hopii << numb* rs, to finally i an ,■ - /■ i / 

thing b< for* tn< m Po* >< i • mi ■ ell < *haust< d 

towar< evening, and s •• coming to Sumnej lo\ . tance, 

eral Caldwell, and jVfeaghej //-i- promptl) - dered to his 
• upporl i ' - • - . • . < ,< iy ii. ; ii .ni-i //< i,i into as 
tion immediately, contributing much to tw final succesi oi thi 
day 

'i ii. y/i,.j< i, : - ting • ' on< • nii.ii. <i .,n th< 
continuous repetition >>\ t) i I hav< attempted to tell, • • 

[ng only al nightfall, when th< enemy abandoned th< fields leav 
m;- ii in. i.. ii/ covered with theii dead and wounded Then 
gallantrj perb, and their losses prodigious and yet at no 

thru throughout thi afternoon, was then thi slightesl chanes 
oj th< ii 

A desultory cannonading was maintained till nearly nim 
■ ■ .,'!• //iii, som< picket firing bul thi men wen greatly • ■ 
bausted and •■•'>< • iil '' thi action ceased, fell asleep in theh 
ranks lying on theii arms Whils thi men slept many oi thi 
officers //'" obliged to b< on thi alert I ivai continually sen! 
from on< poinl to another, and remained in thi saddli during 
iii. whoh night Towards midnight thosi oi us on duty oh 
served several columns ol troopi leaving thi field toward thi 
riglii flank, followed by soms oi thi batteries lately In position 
ii< .ii ..in brigadi latei on th< greal siegs guns from Portei i 
position weni by and to om astonishment, m< whoh army b< 



i>l,\i'\ < IF A V< >UNG < >FFIt ER 149 

:-.mi to move again, and In •< direi tion away from ii" enemy , at 

iii<- gn at bucci "i iii' 1 ling daj wai rant< -I us In I" li b 

ing ii wouiii advance at daylight, and take thi Initiative, we 
were greatlj astonished General French, who wa till Ick, 
■ I remained with us, in conversation with Colonel Zool 
though! i he moveim nt v* 1 ingulai , •> hi had received no 01 
ders and l« li<-v<-<l with thi n • 1 oi us that al daylighl wi should 
advance, Ai last In ordered Willie and mi to rioi ovei to thi 
moving columns, and find oul where they wen going W<- 
w<i< '.'.11 amongsl th< troops and accosted •> dozen 01 mor( 
« ommandi rs "J mi. mi 1 and ai tilli 1 ■ non< "i whom 1 ""M 
give us Hi' - slight si infoi mal ion Thi aid Hi' v wi n 
directed to march down the river, much to theii surpri e, but 
<lnl nol know theii d< stinal ion, 

I' 1 '.in midnight, until 4 a. m., the movement "i troopi con 
tinued; nil at lasl we were the mil, brigade lefl on ii" field 
General French finally concluded hn brigadi had been forgot 
i' n through Bomi bod m gligi m ■ and n lu< tantl gavi thi 
ordi 1 i'. fall m and follow the 1 rowd vV< ti ppi d out, and Boon 
overtool thi retiring column, wln< h was spread out on eithei 
side "i iii' road, man hing withoul mm li ord< 1 and appan ntly 
indifferent i" discipline li rained •< littli during the night, and 
aboul da lighl poured down in torrents, turning thi roads into 
streams, and fieldi mi" Bticl , mud, making thi marching 1 1 
ecrable. Many <-f iii< batteriei were obliged i" double ii" 1 ' 
teami on thi gum .m 'mi.hu placet on Hi- road, and only su< 
ceedi -I in ••• tting ili< m along by th< greati 1 1 cei tion in the 
< '.in . 'A the day /.' pa ' 'i 1 '• 1 a] gum desert* d in tin road, 
;iii'l latei '.11 .1 siegi batter) which effectually blockaded ili< 
route. The ground wai slippery, tin men fatigued, and every 
body disgusted, which must hav< accounted foi ii" great dis 
ord< 1 Hi' -'ii . 1.' j'.m I'- loot hi e anothi 1 Bull Run, and whi n 
a detachment '<i pioneen came up thi road and began felling 
trees across it, directly in fronl -<i H" moving train •A wagon 
and artillery, w< concluded som< om must hav< gow crazy, 
and in sheer despair gavi up thinking at all '//ii'niii- battery 
commanders expostulated with 'Ik- pioneei officer, h< said hi 
had in', orders rrom the chiej ot stafl --i th< army, and must 
<,],< ■/ tli< m 'I he i' miIi wai . M Hi- vagons and gun in r< ->i <A 
the obstructions had to be hauled up the side or thi road and 
mow- in the fields, which was an immense and unnecessary 



iSo DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

labor. Our brigade marched in the fields in good order, with- 
out instructions till 4 p. m., when one of Sumner's staff came 
along, and was surprised to learn we had been forgotten. He 
told us we were bound for Harrison's Landing, where the army 
would remain and entrench itself. That Turkey bend, the 
position about Malvern Hill, was considered too weak to hold. 
The river was too narrow for the operations of the gunboats, 
and there was no natural protection on our right flank. Conse- 
quently, Harrison's Landing had been selected as an ideal posi- 
tion. It seems the general commanding never though of fol- 
lowing up his success, which is the most curious thing, as al- 
most every one else belonging to the army thought it a matter 
of course. Very shortly after the interview with this staff of- 
ficer, we were directed to file off into a piece of shrub oak, and 
there pitch our tents for the night, until the storm subsided. 
The men were covered from head to foot with mud and made 
a miserable appearance. The army of Flanders was noted for 
its swearing, but I should like to back this army, on this parti- 
cular occasion, against it, and give odds to boot. 

Everything was disagreeable ; the ground low and almost 
covered with water, the bushy trees dripping from every leaf 
and branch and the men thoroughly soaked to their waist in 
water. It was nearly eight o'clock before the brigade was 
wholly under cover, and resting from its efforts of the past six 
days. 

When the last regiment had taken up its alloted space I 
found the regimental headquarters, hitched my horse to a small 
oak, and completely exhausted, crawled into a shelter tent and 
was instantly asleep. Promptly at break of day, the whole army 
stood in line of battle and remained in position for about an 
hour when they were dismissed and ordered to build fires and 
dry their clothes. 

The storm was over and the sun shone with all the brilliancy 
of a July day. We formed in close column of division and laid 
out a regular camp, our whole corps being in reserve about half 
a mile from the river bank in the center of the army. Broom, 
with his regimental wagons intact, came up and was received 
with immense applause. At the sight of our wall tents, we for- 
got the trials of the past and eagerly watched the men as they 
pitched them in a comfortable spot, just in rear of the regiment. 
Seth was not slow in arranging matters in orthodox fashion, and 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 151 

by noon the beds garnished with red blankets, were ready for 
occupancy, a luxury to which we had long been entire strang- 
ers and so at last the great retreat, or change of base, was 
ended and the Army of the Potomac, just as sound as ever, 
was firmly planted along the James river, in spite of all the 
efforts of its formidable antagonist. 

Thankful for my good fortune in escaping unhurt, and for 
the long desired repose from excessive fatigue, I slept for many 
hours, oblivious to all surroundings. 



CHAPTER XI 

"War, he sung, is toil and trouble ; 
Honor, but an empty bubble." 

CAMP LIFE AT HARRISON'S LANDING; RETURN TO YORKTOWN ', 
EMBARKATION AT NEWPORT NEWS; ARRIVAL AT CAMP CALI- 
FORNIA; ADVANCE TO CENTREVILLE, AND RETURN TO CAMP 
AT CHAIN BRIDGE, WASHINGTON. 

July 3rd, 1862. 

EARLY this morning a detachment of cavalry, artillery, 
and infantry was sent back to recover the guns abandoned 
yesterday. No signs of the enemy were found until near 
the woods on the further side of the battle ground, where there 
was a picket line, which withdrew at their approach. They 
reported the enemy's dead as something astonishing, covering 
the fields, in many places piled up several deep. They did not 
press the enemy but returned to camp, bringing in the guns 
and everything else abandoned. In the afternoon, a section of 
rebel guns opened upon the camp directly in our front, sending 
their shells whistling over our heads, to explode amongst the 
teams in rear. The Fifth Maine regiment was ordered to 
make a detour through the woods and try to capture them, 
which they succeeded in doing without loss. The guns were 
part of a horse battery on a reconnoitering expedition ; every 
man belonging to it was brought into camp with the guns, 
without loss on our side. 

For the first time since the thirtieth of May, the bands were 
permitted to play and soon put the troops in good humor. 
The day was exceedingly pleasant, and at night we turned in 
and undressed, getting out of harness for the first time in 
thirty-five days. 

I mounted guard this morning with all the formality pre- 
scribed by the regulations, in presence of a great crowd of 
visitors, besides our own men ; drums and bugles beat off, 
making us all happy again. In the evening the regiment 
made a very gallant appearance at dress parade, and after the 
evolutions, listened to the following circular which I read in 
front of the regiment. 

152 




Lieut. J. M. Favill, Adjutant, Lieut. C. H. H. Broom, Quartermaster, 
57th N. Y. Infantry. 5 7th N. Y. Infantry. 

Major R. V. McKim, Surgeon, Captain A. M. Wright, 

57th N. Y. Infantry. 57th N. Y. Infantry. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 153 

Circular. 

July 3, 1862. 
A national salute will be fired at noon to-morrow, at the 
headquarters of each army corps. Immediately thereafter, 
the bands will play appropriate national airs. The general 
commanding will visit all the troops during the afternoon, 
when the troops will be paraded, and a major general's salute 
fired in each corps. The troops will be notified of the hour 
of the visit. 

By command of 

Major General McClellan, 

S. Williams, A. G. 

Also the following, dated July 3rd, from headquarters, 
Army of the Potomac : 

Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac : — Your achieve- 
ments of the last ten days have illustrated the valor 
and endurance of the American soldier ; attacked by su- 
perior forces and without hope of reinforcement, you have 
succeeded in changing your base of operations by a flank 
movement, always regarded as the most hazardous of military 
expedients. You have saved all your material, all your trains, 
and all your guns, except a few lost in battle, taking in return, 
guns and colors from the enemy ; upon your march you have 
been assailed day after day with desperate fury by men of the 
same race and nation, skilfully massed and led. Under every 
disadvantage of numbers and necessarily of position also, 
you have in every conflict, beaten back your foes with enor- 
mous slaughter. That your conduct ranks you among the cele- 
brated armies of history, no one will ever question ; then each 
of you may always say with pride, "I belonged to the Army 
of the Potomac." You have reached the new base, complete 
in organization, and unimpaired in spirit. The enemy may at 
any time attack you ; we are prepared to meet them ; I have 
personally established your lines. Let them come and we will 
convert their repulse into a final retreat ! Your Government 
is strengthening you with the resources of a great people. On 
this our Nation's birthday, we declare to our foes, who are 
rebels against the best interests of mankind, that this army 
shall enter the capitol of the so-called Confederacy, that our 
National Constitution shall prevail, and that the Union, which 



i54 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

can alone insure internal peace, and external security to each 
state, must, and shall be preserved, cost what it may, in time, 
treasure, and blood, 

, General G. B. McClellan. 

We were a good deal amused at this Napoleonic and spread 
eagle address, but the men cheered it on parade, and seemed 
to think it very fine. 

Directly after guard mount, Broom and I rode over to the 
landing to get a view of the river; we were surprised at its 
width. It makes a big bulge here and must be nearly a mile 
across. We looked up McKim and the brigade hospital fel- 
lows, whom we found busily engaged shipping the sick and 
wounded men away on transports. The river is crowded with 
all sorts of vessels, and the landing reminds one of a busy 
seaport city. Several gunboats lay at anchor in the stream, 
part of a regular James river flotilla which patrols the river 
from Turkey Bend to Fortress Monroe. We were delighted 
to get amongst the busy throng of workers, and see the water, 
boats, and ships ; after so much experience, in which one's 
range of vision is so limited, it gives one a zest for the water 
almost indescribable. 

The doctor gave us a piece of ice, and from other sources 
we got several bottles of wine, which we sent to our quarters 
by Kelly, Broom's man. On our return, Seth dug a hole 
which he called a wine cellar, at the foot of Broom's bed, 
in which he placed the ice and wine wrapt in a blanket. It 
kept pretty well, considering the heat. 

The review took place during the afternoon, and was quite 
a success. The men looked well, their clothes a little shabby, 
but altogether soldierly, and business like. We performed no 
duty during the day, other than the guard mounting and re- 
view ; celebrating the Nation's birthday by taking a good long 
rest, and generally cleaning up. In the evening, Seth proved 
himself a connoisseur in the matter of mixed drinks, a luxury 
to which we had long been strangers. 

July $th. The army is formed in very close order, nearly 
all the corps being camped in close column of division. We 
are told the entire front does not exceed five miles, therefore 
the troops must be packed pretty closely together. The gen- 
eral plan of the camp is seen from the sketch ; it is impregna- 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 



r 55 



•l 



$1 




156 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

ble, and can be defended easily against all comers and if that 
were all expected of the army, it would be entirely satisfac- 
tory, but it is a poor place for an aggressive, invading army. 

The army now settled down for a comfortable rest, and 
the administrative bureaus began their activity, the executive 
officers working from morning till night. After the tremen- 
duous campaign just closed, there is an immense amount of 
work to do. Every man must be satisfactorily accounted for, 
as well as every article of public property. Our losses cannot 
have been less than six or eight thousand men, and a fabulous 
lot of stores, of every description. All of this must be ac- 
counted for, and the reason given for its abandonment, or 
destruction. The muster rolls require the greatest care, to 
avoid doing injustice, for every man reported absent without 
leave, must be restored to his place by court martial, which is 
slow and uncertain. In the meantime the man, if again with 
his regiment, is debarred from drawing pay, or doing duty, 
and is a source of weakness, rather than strength to his regi- 
ment. Consequently, adjutants are busy people in camp, as 
well as regimental quartermasters, who have to re-equip the 
whole command wherever necessary. I have only one clerk, 
and write every morning till noon. Weather frightfully hot, 
and the water very poor ; each regiment has its well, which is 
nothing more than a hole eight to ten feet deep, collecting the 
surface water ; the soil being mostly sand, the water easily 
percolates through it. Many of the men have been taken sick 
since we arrived, perhaps as much from their past experiences 
as from the poor water here. 

July 6th. I was present at an interesting conversation be- 
tween General French and Zook, regarding the campaign just 
closed. Both of them admitted it had been a complete failure, 
in spite of the gallant and meritorious conduct of the troops. 
From the time the army first started for Manassas, until the 
second day of July, its movements, except in retreat, have 
been timid, vacillating, and indecisive. In no instance has it 
initiated the fighting, although organized for that purpose. 
When attacked, it has shown itself capable of great deeds, 
and has invariably succeeded in defeating its opponent, but 
never was allowed to take advantage of the fact. Upon land- 
ing before Yorktown, that stronghold could, as is well known 
now, have been captured by a coup-de-main, with almost no 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 157 

loss, the enemy being in small force, and wholly unprepared 
for defence. That plan, however, never seems to have occur- 
red to the general commanding, his brain being filled with the 
idea of a great siege, like Sebastopol, in the Crimea. Having 
decided on the siege, everything else was neglected and the 
slow, laborious operation of digging entrenchments, and erect- 
ing batteries went along just as in the sieges of the Middle 
Ages, every one taking his time, and only careful to do things 
regularly. When the enemy evacuated the place, through lack 
of alertness on our part, they were able to move everything 
of value, and make an orderly and secure retreat, not a single 
wagon being abandoned. The advance and operations at Wil- 
liamsburg were of the most perfunctory order, ill advised, in- 
differently carried out, and wholly without result. While the 
general commanding ostensibly undertook to cut off part of 
the enemy's force at West Point, or near there, the movements 
of the Army of the Potomac were so sluggish that the enemy 
easily got out of the way. Our army met with no resistance 
on the advance to West Point, and yet was nearly ten days 
in getting there. The advance from the White House to the 
Chickahominy was extraordinarily slow and hesitating, the 
troops not averaging more than five miles a day. Arriving at 
the Chickahominy, the grave military error of isolating a part 
of the army by a treacherous and difficult stream, was inex- 
cusable, and has lost us much prestige. On the first of June 
everything was propitious, the army concentrated, the men 
anxious for a trial of their strength, and all abundantly sup- 
plied. At the very outset we forgot our plans ; our theory, 
and our duty, and instead of taking the initiative with the 
combined army, and attacking the enemy, we awaited his at- 
tack and contented ourselves throughout the entire day with 
simply repulsing his efforts and holding our ground. Was 
there ever so great a miscarriage before? That a general at- 
tack would have resulted in success, and possibly an over- 
whelming victory, was the opinion of almost every officer in 
the field with whom I talked. But the general commanding 
seemed to be satisfied with holding his ground. Why we 
should have remained at Fair Oaks passes understanding. 
If we could not advance and attack advantageously, on the 
first of June, how could we do so subsequently, when the 
enemy had fortified himself? Fortifying ourselves on the 



158 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

southern, or right hank of the Chickahominy, we remained 
constantly under fire, powerless and inactive. How long this 
state of things would have lasted, had not the enemy renewed 
the fighting, is hard to guess. Gaines' Mills afforded one more 
capital chance for carrying out our plans. The enemy con- 
centrated his army, and made a powerful attack on our right, 
a formidable position, which might have been held had troops 
enough been sent to support Porter's command, but in arrang- 
ing for their attack, the enemy withdrew nearly all his troops 
in front of Sumner, Franklin, and Heintzleman's splendid 
corps, which lay inactive behind impregnable earthworks. 
As we knew, at least in front of our corps negroes were 
marched about their lines, beating drums, and making a noise, 
to deceive us with the belief that the troops were still there. 
Zook ascertained they were not there, and begged for permis- 
sion to attack. If late in the afternoon, when Lee was con- 
centrating all his forces, and pushing the fighting against Por- 
ter's corps, Sumner had made a dash for the works in front, 
they would certainly have been carried, and our advance moved 
to within shelling distance of Richmond, which would have 
been a position worth obtaining. In any case, we should in- 
evitably have drawn off the force attacking Porter, and prob- 
ably had the chance to fight them in rear of their own works. 
Admitting the retreat was conducted superbly, the gener- 
al's Fourth of July address to the contrary, there was an im- 
mense amount of all kinds of material destroyed. At Savage 
Station, while we lay there, a heavy train loaded with stores, 
was set on fire and sent under full headway over the burning 
bridge across the Chickahominy, to plunge headlong into the 
stream, where all was absolutely destroyed. The fight at Mal- 
vern Hill was entirely favorable to our side, the enemy lost 
enormously, while we suffered very little, and at the close of 
the light, the rebel troops were dispirited and thoroughly ex- 
hausted ; our corps, and the troops on the right were mostly 
fresh, excepting two brigades of our division. If a grand at- 
tack in force, of the entire army, well led, had been ordered 
immediately after the repulse of the enemy's last attack, who 
can doubt the result? But the same timid methods continued 
and the army was withdrawn, exactly as though it had sus- 
tained an overwhelming defeat. With such a commander, we 
can't hope for success, at least in anything more than a defen- 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 159 

sive warfare. Such certainly is the opinion of a great many 
of our brightest officers. 

July ph. Weather very hot, in consequence of which drills 
have been suspended. We got a Richmond paper to-day, with 
a rebel account of the battle of Malvern Hill. It is the Rich- 
mond Examiner, of Friday, July 4th. It says "The battle of 
Tuesday was perhaps the fiercest, and most sanguinary of the 
series of bloody conflicts, which have signalized each of the 
last seven days. Early on Tuesday morning, the enemy, from 
the position to which he had been driven the night before, 
continued his retreat in a southeasterly direction, towards his 
gunboats, on James river. At eight o'clock a. m v Magruder 
recommenced the pursuit, advancing cautiously, but steadily, 
and shelling the forests and swamps in front, as he progressed. 
This method of advance was kept up throughout the morning, 
and until four o'clock p. m., without coming up with the 
enemy. But between four and five o'clock our troops reached 
a large open field, a mile long, and three-quarters in width, 
on the farm of Doctor Carter. The enemy were discovered, 
(sic) strongly entrenched, in a dense forest on the other side 
of the field, their artillery, of about fifty pieces, could be plainly 
seen, bristling on their freshly constructed earthworks. At 
ten minutes before five o'clock p. m. General Magruder or- 
dered his men to charge across the field, and drive the enemy 
from their position. Gallantly they spring to the encounter, 
rushing into the field at a full run. Instantly, from the line 
of the enemy's breastworks, a murderous storm of grape and 
cannister was hurled into their ranks with the most terrible 
effect. Officers and men went down by the hundreds, but yet 
undaunted and unwavering, our lines dashed on until two- 
thirds across the field. Here the carnage from the withering 
fire of the enemy's combined batteries and musketry was 
dreadful. Our line wavered a moment, and fell back into the 
cover of the woods. Thrice again the effort to carry the posi- 
tion was renewed, but each time with the same results. Night 
at length rendered further attempt injudicious, and the fight, 
until ten o'clock, was kept up by the artillery of both sides. 
To add to the horrors, if not to the dangers of the battle, the 
enemy's gunboats from their position at Carl's Neck, two and 
a half miles distant, poured on the field, continuous broad- 
sides from their immense rifle guns. Though it is questionable, 



i6o DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

as we have suggested, whether any serious loss was inflicted 
on us by the gunboats, the horrors of the fight, were aggra- 
vated, by the monster shells, which tore shrieking through the 
forest, and exploded with a concussion which seemed to shake 
the solid earth itself. The moral effect on the Yankees of 
these terror inspiring allies, must have been very great, and 
in this, we believe, consisted their greatest damage to the 
army of the South. The battlefield, surveyed through the 
cold rain of Wednesday morning, presented scenes too shock- 
ing to be dwelt on without anguish. The woods and fields 
mentioned were on the western side, covered with our dead, 
in all the degrees of violent mutilation, while in the woods on 
the west of the field lay in about equal numbers, the blue uni- 
formed bodies of the enemy ; many of the latter were still 
alive, having been left by their friends, in their indecent haste 
to escape from the rebels. 

"Great numbers of horses were killed on both sides, and 
the sight of their distended and mutilated carcases, and the 
stench proceeding from them, added much to the loathsome 
horrors of the bloody field. The corn fields, but recently 
turned by the plowshares, were furrowed and torn by the 
iron missies. Thousands of round shot and unexploded shells 
lay upon the surface of the earth ; among the latter were many 
of the enormous shells thrown by the gunboats ; they were 
eight inches in width by twenty-three in length. The ravages 
of these monsters were everywhere discernible through the 
forest. In some places long avenues were cut through the 
tree tops, and here and there, great trees, three and four feet 
in thickness, were burst open and split to very shreds. In 
one remarkable respect this battlefield differed in appearance 
from any of the preceding days. In the track of the enemy's 
flight there were no blankets cast away, blue coats, tents, nor 
clothing, no letters and no wasted commissary stores. He 
had evidently before reaching this point, (sic) thrown away 
everything that could retard his hasty retreat. Nothing was 
to be found on this portion of the field but killed and wounded 
Yankees, and their guns, and knapsacks." In another place 
it says : "The battle of Tuesday evening has been made mem- 
orable by its melancholy monuments of carnage, which oc- 
curred in that portion of General Magruder's corps, which 
had been ordered in very inadequate force, to charge one oi 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 161 

the strongest of the enemy's batteries. There are various ex- 
planations of this affair. The fire upon the few regiments who 
were ordered to take the enemy's battery, which was supported 
by two heavy brigades, and which swept the thin line of our 
devoted men, who had to approach across a stretch of open 
ground, is said to have been an appalling sight." 

So frank an admission of great loss has never been made 
before to my knowledge, on the part of the enemy, and it must 
have been great, indeed, to have them admit so much. The 
rule seems to be to grossly exaggerate the losses of the Yan- 
kees, and minimize their own. That we should have left our 
wounded on the field at Malvern Hill, is an indelible disgrace, 
as the enemy were so soundly thrashed they had not energy 
enough to find out we were gone, until long afterwards the 
next day. So far as I can find out, we left very few if any 
wounded, but if one is not an eyewitness, it is difficult to 
ascertain the truth, even amongst one's own friends. 

The camp is already invaded by a new enemy in over- 
whelming numbers, and we are completely helpless to protect 
ourselves ; the common house fly is the pest. Where so many 
of them come from, in so short a time, is a complete mystery ; 
but they are ubiquitous, and the greatest nuisance imaginable. 
General Richardson, now a major-general, has gone to 
Fortress Monroe to recoup his health, French is in com- 
mand of the division, and Colonel J. R. Brooke of the brigade, 
Zook having gone home to recuperate. Supplies are up in 
abundance now, and all necessary articles will be replaced 
immediately. Drilling regularly again. 

July ipth. Since July 6th, nothing worthy of especial 
mention has occurred. The quiet of a garrison life has suc- 
ceeded the stirring campaign days so suddenly that the former 
seem altogether uneventful and unworthy of notice, conse- 
quently I do not write anything, being busy all the time with 
routine duties, drills, parades, and reviews. I notice the men 
are improving physically since our arrival here, owing to 
better food. I was down to about one hundred and twenty 
pounds, but am pulling up again slowly. Heavy rein- 
forcements are constantly joining us, so that our losses will 
soon be more than made up, and we may reasonably expect 
another advance before long. The heat has been, and still is, 
excessive ; in the nineties every day, but cool and pleasant 



1 62 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

at night. The fly pest goes on increasing prodigiously ; many 
of the specimens are perfect monsters in size and possess 
boundless activity and audacity. Just now they are our worst 
enemies. 

This afternoon I got leave of absence for forty-two hours 
from General Sumner, and a pass to go to Fortress Monroe 
and return. I start to-morrow morning by one of the trans- 
ports and expect a delightful trip. I take my diary, covering 
the events from the north side of the Chickahominy to Harri- 
son's Landing, July 6, 1862, and intend sending it home by 
express. 

July 23d. Returned to camp after a delightful and refresh- 
ing little jaunt. The sail down the river was magnificent. 
There were few passengers, mostly invalided officers, but a 
very agreeable lot of fellows, of course. The ship carried at 
her cross trees, boiler iron nests, in which riflemen were sta- 
tioned, watching the shore all along the route. Her guns 
were shotted and run out ready for instant work, and all about 
one tended to a delightful exhilaration. I sat well forward, 
and was in ecstasy to find myself on the water again. The 
James is a beautiful river, with fine commanding banks, abrupt 
in many places, and mostly wooded to the water's edge. It 
is considered a dangerous route, and everyone is on the alert 
for a concealed enemy along the shores. We met scores of 
transports, gunboats, and troop ships ; and there was plenty 
to occupy one's attention. Arriving at the fort, I went to 
dine at the hotel, and sat down to a regular dinner, at a 
regular table, for the first time in over a year. The situation 
was embarrassing at first, but I found myself, as an officer 
from the front, of considerable importance, which was equally 
unexpected and agreeable. I met many civilians, who were 
all anxious to talk about the war. I made myself agreeable, 
and did as little boasting perhaps as the situation allowed. 

They told me General Sumner was considered one of the 
principal heroes of the last campaign. After dinner I looked 
over the fortress, which is the largest regular work, I think, 
in the United States. It is surrounded by a moat full of 
water and has a fine array of mounted guns peeping over the 
ramparts. When I went to my room at night, the first sight 
of a regular bed almost took away my breath, and I was 
strongly tempted to take the floor in preference. I got in 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 163 

after some hesitation and found it comfortable, but very 
strange. The next day I visited the negroes' quarters, bought 
various articles for the colonel and myself ; sent the diary 
home, also a rebel officer's sword, captured at Savage's Station, 
and then went on board a transport, bound back to the camp. 
The return sail was equally agreeable. I felt like returning 
home from a strange country ; the regiment is now, in fact, 
my home, where all my interests center. 

July 23d. This morning I was surrounded by all hands, 
anxious to hear the news from civilization, and to look at 
a man that had actually had a leave of absence. They tell 
me the corps' review yesterday was a great success ; the Fif- 
ty-seventh had the extreme right of the line and looked 
superb. It mustered exactly four hundred and forty-seven 
officers and men present for duty ; showing a loss of almost 
forty-one per cent within nine months. Poor food, exposure, 
and hard work account for some of the loss, but the regiment 
has had a great many killed and wounded in action. The 
weather to-day was delightful, a fine shower falling about five 
o'clock, cooling and refreshing the air. 

Heintzleman's corps was reviewed to-day. I rode over 
to see it ; thought it not equal to ours in any way. 

July 24th. Warm pleasant day ; towards evening foggy. 
Porter's corps was reviewed to-day, and a whole host of Sec- 
ond corps officers rode over to see how it looked. It is the 
only corps that has any so-called regular infantry. There is 
one brigade only ; the regiments are small battalions, generally 
commanded by company officers, and are inferior in appear- 
ance to scores of volunteer regiments. The Fifth New York is 
brigaded with them and is by all odds the finest regiment in the 
whole corps. As a whole, the corps looked soldierly and are 
a well disciplined body of troops, but we thought not equal to 
the Second corps. Our regiments average greater strength, 
and carry themselves more soldierly ; there are few regimental 
commanders like Brooke and Zook and Cross ; and, then, 
Sumner never tires in disciplining everybody, even himself 
I don't mean to say we have no poor regiments, because we 
have ; but they are very few in number. 

July 25th. Weather still fine. Had a capital brigade drill 
in the afternoon, Colonel J. R. Brooke commanding, French 
still being in command of the division. General Richardson 



i6 4 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

absent on sick leave. For the first time this summer the ra- 
tions included new potatoes, cabbage, and tomatoes ; the coun- 
try hereabout produces nothing but corn, and all we have 
comes from the North ; our main stay is, of course, hard 
bread (hard tack), salt pork, and fresh beef, killed on the 
hoof, and dressed and served on the ground, the animals' 
skins being used to cut up the meat on. As the beef is issued 
immediately after being killed, it is generally warm and full 
of sand, due to the carelessness of the butchers. 

July 26th. Weather glorious ; good food and regular 
sleep has made a wonderful change in our physique, most of 
us getting stout. I was as thin as a rail, but am beginning 
to fill out a little. At 11 a. m. every tent in the whole division 
was struck, the ground thoroughly swept with home-made 
brooms, and left exposed to the sun till 5 p. m. ; this was to re- 
store the hygienic conditions of the camp which were believed 
to be foul. Just after the tents were put up again a heavy 
storm gathered and broke about six o'clock, lasting until 
9 p. m. It rained tremendously, but our tents were well 
put up, and stood like trees. 

July 27th. Sunday morning, bright and beautiful, but in- 
tensely hot during the day. Early in the morning the quar- 
termaster issued new clothing, including drawers, socks, 
trousers, shoes, and blouses. At 7 130 a. m. we fell in for 
inspection, and nearly every man appeared in new clothes ; 
the regiment looked very fine. After sunset, Broom and I 
rode over to the river to cool off. 

July 28th. Hot as Jupiter! Men and animals suffering 
much from the prolonged spell of hot weather, and especially 
from the horrible swarms of flies, a nuisance we cannot abate 
apparently. The large deep well the regiment has been mak- 
ing was finished to-day and yields abundance of fairly good 
water. It is just a trifle cooler than the water in the shallow 
wells, but there is much more of it, which was the chief object 
in making it. From 6 to 7 p. m. the troops were drilled by 
brigade, Colonel J. R. Brooke commanding; subsequently, 
every regiment had a dress parade. We get no news of the 
enemy and curiously think very little about him. Have set- 
tled down to a regular camp life, and are enjoying its quiet 
comfort. Experience is the one thing soldiers cannot do with- 
out. There are certain things essential to one's comfort, only 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 165 

to be learned in actual campaigning; once acquired they be- 
come a part of one's existence. One of these things is con- 
tentment. "Take no anxious care for the morrow!" "Suffi- 
cient unto the day is the evil thereof." Two golden maxims 
for a man of war; faithfully observed, they save a world of 
anxiety in such stirring times as these and are well worth 
practicing. 

July 29th. Weather delightful, barring the great heat. In 
the evening from six to eight o'clock the whole division was 
paraded for review by General French, commanding. The 
men returned to camp covered with dust, and saturated with 
perspiration. It is altogether too hot for unnecessary parades, 
at least so we think, who do most of the work. 

July 30th. To-day was the hottest of the season thus far. 
The heat was intolerable, and all work not absolutely neces- 
sary was stopped. We made desperate efforts to keep cool, 
but were wholly unsuccessful. Our tents are covered with 
pine boughs ; the fly is up in front as an awning, and the 
sides of the tents looped up to the cords, making a free cir- 
culation, but still we were almost suffocated. We owe much 
to the ladies of the sanitary commission, who very kindly fur- 
nished us with a lot of palm-leaf fans. At noon received 
orders to prepare three days' rations, issue sixty rounds of 
ammunition, and hold ourselves in readiness to move at a 
moment's notice. It was really a good thing to have some- 
thing to do, for we forgot for the time being the great heat. 
The cooks set to work ; ammunition was issued in the few 
cases where the men were without their proper complement, 
and the camp soon became animated and interesting. No 
information was given as to the movements intended, and 
so we arranged for a final leave taking of the camp by pack- 
ing up our traps. At 6 p. m. the brigade was ordered out for 
drill, in full marching order, three days' rations included ; 
drill lasted until 7 p. m. After it was over, and before the 
troops were dismissed, six men from each regiment were 
selected to serve on the James river gunboat flotilla. Nearly 
every man in the regiment volunteered to go, and those se- 
lected considered themselves fortunate; the fact is a foot sol- 
dier is always ready to change place with any man riding 
horseback, sailing on gunboats, or even driving mule teams. 
Late in the evening received orders to parade at seven o'clock 



1 66 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

tomorrow morning. Colonel Zook is still on leave of absence, 
trying to get recruits for the regiment from the governor 

of the state ; we all hope he may get them and soon rejoin 
us. Companies are much too small for service. 

July list. At midnight we all jumped out of bed in a 
hurry, startled by a heavy artillery fire, which at first could 
not he located. The men assembled on the color line without 
orders and remained there until the firing ceased, about an 
hour in all. It turned out to be a rebel field battery, sent under 
cover of darkness down the right bank of the James, to 
shell the numerous transports anchored near the landing. Our 
gunboats, tonjonrs ("res, opened immediately with their big and 
little guns, but did not silence them for over an hour : cu- 
riously little or no damage was done while the possibilities 
were immense. Two oi their shells burst quite close to our 
regiment, which indicates they (lid not get the range. When 
the firing ceased, we turned in again and were soon asleep. 

Brigade inspection at half-past seven a. ml, rations and 
ammunition inspected, as well as arms and accoutrements; 
our regiment was in tine order. Lieutenant-Colonel Parisen 
takes infinite trouble in seeing everything for himself. Shortly 
after nine o'clock it commenced raining and continued 
throughout the day, deliciously cooling the atmosphere and 
the parched earth. Anxiously awaited orders to march, which 
did not ctime, however. 

August ist. The regiment was mustered for pay during 
the morning, after which the men signed the rolls. Pay day 
is always an event in the army, almost every man being dead 
broke long before the paymaster comes around. The men, 
generally speaking, are improvident, and some of them great 
gamblers, soon getting rid of their cash: many send home a 
large proportion of their pay to their families, and the ex- 
press companies do a big business in money packages every 
pay day : we are all paid in paper money, ami sometimes 
with coupon, interest-bearing notes; my pay amounts to 
about one hundred and sixty dollars per month, a third 
of which 1 send home for safekeeping, the balance I spend. 
There are a good many professional gamblers in the army, 
who. many think, enlisted for the sole purpose of despoil- 
ing their comrades: at any rate, there are certain men 
in our brigade who regularly gather in the bulk of the money. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 167 

Gambling is forbidden to officers, as well as private soldiers 
by the regulations, but it is a complete dead letter. The regi- 
ment received to-day a new set of camp kettles, to replace 
their old ones, abandoned on the great retreat. The men 
were delighted. Since our arrival in this camp each man 
has cooked his own rations in his tin cup, and his bill of fare 
has in consequence been extremely limited. Now, again, the 
company cooks take charge, and the men will have more 
leisure and better fare. 

August 3d. The weather is perfect and everything very 
quiet. This being Sunday morning, we held the regular in- 
spection. Every man had on new clothes ; blacked boots, 
and white gloves, and looked stunning. It is just a month 
t D-day since we arrived here. There seems no good reason 
why we should remain cooped up any longer ; the weather is 
superb for campaigning, the army large, in splendid order, and 
all anxiety to go ahead. Why do we stay here anyway ? 

August ith. General Hooker, with his division, made a 
reconnoissance to Malvern Hill to-day and drove in the 
enemy's pickets. In the evening had a brigade drill. While 
taking our supper under the awning in front of our tent our 
old friend, the genial paymaster of the division. Major Potter, 
arrived. He always puts up with us, and makes himself de- 
lightfully agreeable. He gives us the gossip of the capital 
and such army news as is not to be had in the field ; in the 
evening we initiated him into some more of the mysteries of 
camp life. 

August 5th. At midnight last night the troops were or- 
dered to fall in and be ready to march. We concluded this 
was a sure thing and packed up everything, waited on the 
color line almost two hours, and were then dismissed, and 
turned in again. Early in the morning heard artillery firing 
in the direction Hooker had gone yesterday. About nine 
o'clock it became very heavy, gradually receding, so we con- 
cluded the reconnoissance was pushing well forward. This 
is the first time a reconnoissance has been made since the sec- 
ond day of our arrival, and the enemy's position is wholly 
unknown to us. It does seem as though the newspaper people 
find out more about the enemy than the general staff and 
War Department combined. During the day, the wounded 
returning from Hooker's command, reported him several 



1 68 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

miles beyond Malvern Hill, meeting with little opposition. 
Early in the day, Major Potter went to work, and towards 
evening finished paying off the regiment. There were no 
drills or parade of any kind, on account of the paymaster. 
Weather intensely hot and sultry. 

August 6th. This is my birthday. I am twenty years old, 
and have served nearly eighteen months in the army, fully 
a year in active campaigning. Events are so crowded in 
these warlike times that it makes one feel real old. I seem 
to have lived always in the army, and can hardly convince 
myself that campaigning is not the ordinary business of life. 

In the morning the regiment was supplied with white duck 
leggings, after the French army pattern ; it is to be henceforth 
part of the uniform. They look quite gay, and now that 
they are clean seem very ornamental ; the men appear to like 
them. At six o'clock fell in and marched out on the drill 
ground for a division drill, General French commanding. 
The drill lasted till nine o'clock, very interesting, but the men 
were tired out. As scon as we reached camp after the drill, 
we were ordered to fall in in light marching order, and im- 
mediately marched out of camp and halted in front of Gen- 
eral Sumner's headquarters. Presently the general came out, 
and we followed him outside the breastworks to within two 
miles of Malvern Hill, when we halted upon a hill, with a 
good view of the surrounding country, formed line of battle 
in rear of one of the batteries and lay down and rested. In 
half an hour we were ordered to march by file right, which 
would take us back to camp, but after going about two miles, 
turned off into a large open field, formed line, and stacked 
arms, when the men lay down in their ranks to sleep; this 
was about 2 a. m. ; at five o'clock, we marched to the top 
of the hill in front and formed line in support of several bat- 
teries in position there ; the Fifty-seventh and the Sixty- 
fourth, the latter lately added to our brigade, formed the 
line which commanded the road leading to Malvern Hill, and 
were in position to furnish support in case of need to the 
Irish brigade, which has been sent forward to find the enemy. 
It seems McClellan is getting a little anxious at last, at the 
prolonged quietness of the rebel army, and it is just possible 
it may have something on hand that will astonish us. Spent 
most of the day on this hill, very pleasantly; all glad to get 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 169 

out of camp, which has become very irksome, as we seem 
unable to find the enemy we may possibly go ahead and try 
and take Richmond. 

August 8th. A lovely quiet morning. No news from the 
Irish brigade, and not a shot fired in any direction. At 9 a. 
m. the wagons came up with soft bread, fresh beef, potatoes, 
etc. We were mighty glad to see the soft bread, which is 
the greatest of all luxuries when you have been without it 
for a couple of months. We could hardly wait to have it 
issued, so eager were we to taste it. Just after the company's 
cooks had gotten things ready for a swell feast, orders were 
received to return to camp immediately. The heat was intense, 
and nearly one-half the regiment fell out; reached camp at 
2 p. m., much exhausted by heat and dust. 

August pth. Heat fearful ; troops neglecting everything 
not absolutely necessary. At dress parade the following cir- 
cular was read at the head of each regiment : 

Headquarters First Division, Second Corps, 

Camp near Harrison's Landing, August 7, 1862. 
Circular. 

The general commanding the division desires to express 
to the command his appreciation of their successful efforts in 
bringing back the division to the high standard which it held 
previous to the recent battles. 

This division has now a high reputation for valor and for 
endurance, and also for subordination, without which the other 
soldierly qualities are valueless. You are again called upon 
to hold yourselves ready to meet an enemy in arms against 
his own country and his own flag ! 

Soldiers of the First Division, you are ready. 

W. H. French, 
Brigadier-General Commanding Division. 

About noon, a tall, fine looking young officer called upon 
me and claimed acquaintance on account of similarity 
of names. He is a captain, not over twenty-three or four 
years old, and comes from Little Falls, New York, where his 
family of Favills have been established since 1690, I think 
he said; found him very agreeable and enjoyed the interview. 

August 18th. I have omitted any notations since the 



170 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

eighth, for the reason that our wagons have been packed, and 
everything held in readiness to march at a moment's notice, 
for the past week. Of course, we expected to move, and in 
the interim there was nothing- going on. No drills, parades, 
or reviews, and consequently nothing to record. The camp 
is filled with rumors of Lee's disappearance, and there is 
much anxiety at headquarters as to his intentions. We gather 
little of importance about the situation from our own resources 
and trust almost entirely to the New York Herald for news, 
even of our own movements. While we know nothing posi- 
tive, the general belief is entertained that the rebel army has 
undertaken some kind of enterprise which is worrying the 
commander of the Army of the Potomac a good deal. The 
situation ought to have been reversed, the Army of the Poto- 
mac keeping the rebel army on the anxious seat, but our 
general is decidedly slow, and I suppose General Lee has con- 
cluded we are afraid to undertake another aggressive cam- 
paign. The weather has been hot continuously, and the sick 
list greatly increased. 

Early this morning, the Fifty-seventh was detailed for 
picket duty, the first we have done in this camp. We left 
our tents standing, but empty, all our traps having been packed 
for the last week, crossed outside the entrenchments, and down 
the Charles City road until we reached the picket line, posted 
on fine open ground, having a commanding prospect. Our 
regiment relieved the troops found on duty, and established 
itself comfortably in the open country. On our way out, we 
observed many of the camps deserted, and long trains of 
wagons moving down the peninsula, indicating a general 
movement of some kind. As soon as the pickets were posted, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Parisen and I rode over to the cavalry 
videttes and enjoyed a splendid gallop in the open. The of- 
ficer commanding the videttes told us from what he could 
learn the rebel army had gone, and that there was only a small 
cavalry force in front. About noon, our regimental wagons 
joined us and reported the camp struck, and the whole army 
in motion towards the north. They report a rumor at the 
landing that the rebel army has gone for Washington, and 
that the people there are scared out of their wits. It seems 
improbable, but General Lee is a brilliant commander, and 
must by this time be a little tired of waiting for us to move, 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 171 

and may try to take advantage of our sluggishness by making 
a sudden and unexpected attack 011 the capital. If it proves 
true, what a reflection it will be on the "Little Napoleon." 

August 16th. We remained on duty all night, but at 7 
a. m. withdrew the picket line and joined the brigade, which 
was in rear of the division. At 9 a. m. the whole division fell 
in and marched northerly, following the troops, which, to- 
gether with the trains, had preceded us; our line of march 
lay through splendid fields of corn, now quite fit to eat, some 
of it so remarkably high that I could only just touch the 
waving plumes with the point of my drawn sword, on horse- 
back. It afforded a grand feast for the men, who were not 
slow to fill up their haversacks; it is easily roasted by throw- 
ing it into burning embers, with the covering intact; this par- 
tially steams it, and gives a delicious flavor; marched until 
evening, making only two short halts for rest, and went into 
bivouac in a beautiful spot near a large house, which Sum 
ner occupied as headquarters. The country we marched 
over is much in advance of anything we have seen hereto- 
fore, and has not been campaigned over; consequently, 
our larder contains many delicacies, and within an hour after 
we arrived, en bivouac, the mess was bountifully served with 
fricasse chicken, roasted corn, etc. ; all are in buoyant spirits 
at the prospect of active service again. During the nighl 
Franklin's corps passed by. 

August 17th. Reveille at daybreak, and immediately after 
breakfast about five o'clock the column fell in and continued 
the march, at first very slowly, on account of the troops ahead. 
At 9 a. m., we halted for half an hour, then continued the 
march to Charles City court house, where we halted for din- 
ner; the heat very oppressive and dust frightful; no one 
would have guessed our clothing was originally blue, for we 
certainly looked more like a division of graybacks. The 
lieutenant-colonel and I rode over to the court house, which 
is a small, antique building, and found it deserted and disman- 
tled, the floor strewn with public and private deeds, wills, 
and miscellaneous documents, many of them very ancient and 
very curious. We spent over an hour in examining them, 
in company with dozens of other officers, all of whom car- 
ried off something. Some of the papers were more than one 
hundred and fifty years old, and it seems a great pity they 



172 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

should be so summarily destroyed. However, it's the fortune 
of war, and we did not begin it. 

At 11:30 o'clock we fell in, and having- a clear road 
marched steadily for four hours, passing many fine houses, 
most of them deserted; others left in charge of ladies, who 
showed no fear, hut in every instance claimed protection. 
Some of them were attractive and got what they asked for, 
others had to contribute somewhat to the supplies for the 
evening meal. We halted about half-past three o'clock for an 
hour, then continued the march to the Chickahominy, the 
historic bete noir of our spring campaign. The river here 
is nearly half a mile wide, I think, quite a formidable stream, 
and only passable by boats ; we found a magnificent pontoon 
bridge laid across, as straight as an arrow and very beautiful 
to look upon; no one would imagine these little canvas boats 
would make so line a support as they do; the wagons and 
artillery were crossing in a continuous stream, yet the oscil- 
lations and vibrations were almost nil. The engineers had 
covered the planking lightly with earth, so there was no noise 
or abrasion of the bridge flooring, and it answered the pur- 
pose just as well as a permanent bridge could have done. 
When we arrived, heavy masses of troops were halted near the 
bridge approach, so we closed up, stacked arms, and rested 
till eight o'clock, then passed rapidly over, formed in close 
column of division, and halted for the night; marched alto- 
gether twenty-two miles during the day, and were well tired 
out, owing more to delays and the intense heat and dust than 
to the distance covered. Heard to-night that Lee's army has 
certainly gonejiorth, and that our destination is the capital. 

August 1SU1. Reveille at daylight. Immediately after 
breakfast the troops received several days' rations, and at 
7 a. m. marched out of bivouac, going only four miles, and 
then for some reason not stated, pitched tents upon a splendid 
plantation and remained until the next morning. Poultry, 
fruits, and vegetables were in abundance, and we not only 
enjoyed a superb rest, but the best of catering. A spread 
at Delmonico's could not surpass the dainties of the Fifty- 
seventh's mess on this pleasant route. The country is delight- 
ful, and riding at the head of one's regiment in company with 
so many good fellows, day after day, is simply glorious; a 
most agreeable change from camp life. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 173 

August iQth. P>y 7 a. m. wc were in line, tents struck, 
wagons loaded, and commenced the march in first-class con- 
dition. The country improves the further we go, and to-day's 
eight miles march was through a paradise, compared to the 
region of Manassas and the Chickahominy. Went into 
hivouac early in the afternoon and remained all night. There 
are plenty of excellent springs about this country, in addition 
to numerous other good things, and the campaigning reminds 
me all the time of Charles O'Malley's experience in the Span- 
ish peninsula. 

August 20th. At 7 a. m. were en route again, and at 
noon entered the ancient city of Williamsburg, hailing just 
on the outskirts of the town. Colonel Parisen, Doctor Mc- 
Kim, and 1 rode over the place, which is interesting on ac- 
count of its antiquity and the college buildings; the bricks used 
in the buildings were sent otfer from England ; liny are very 
plain and substantial, but not particularly imposing; there 
are many quaint colonial houses now deserted on streets that 
are grass grown, and save for a few chattering darkies, ut- 
terly deserted. Melancholy, indeed, is the fate of this once 
nourishing town, now simply a monument of past genera- 
tions. After an hour's halt the column marched three miles 
northeast of the town, passing over the battlefield, where 
llaincock gained renown. The earthworks arc still standing, 
just as the rebels left them, except that nature, always gen- 
erous, has spread a graceful mantle of green about them, 
making them look less suspicious to the soldier's eye. 

August 21st. Marched bright and early, arriving at 
Yorktown about noon and put up our tents on the identical 
spot occupied by us while awaiting shipment to West Point, 
in the spring ; felt quite at home. As soon as the camp was 
established, all hands were dismissed for a swim, and the 
waves were quickly whispering lullabys in the ears of the 
dusty and weary warriors of the first division. Got a lot of 
gossip here. It seems the army is being transferred as speed- 
ily as possible by transports, from both this place and New- 
port News, to Alexandria and Washington, to head off Lee, 
who is really in front of the army of Virginia, under Pope 
somewhere on the Rapidan. The coast here is covered with 
troops awaiting transportation, and are loading night and day ; 
but it is a big undertaking to transport by ships one hundred 



i 7 4 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

thousand men, together with their material, and it takes a 
good deal of time. General McClellan, it is rumored, has 
been removed, or is to be, on dit; that the President is dis- 
gusted with him ; his want of success and very disagreeable 
relations with the government, constantly throwing all the 
blame on Washington for his failure, is a little too much, 
even for our long-suffering and patient President. 

After a capital swim, several of us rode through the quaint, 
slow, old town, which we found just as dirty as ever, the 
pigs still running at large, feeding on the filth from the tum- 
ble down houses ; received orders to be ready to march early 
in the morning for Newport News, as transports were await- 
ing us ; weather magnificent. 

August 22d. Reveille at daybreak. Immediately after 
breakfast rations were issued, and the column stretched out 
en route for Newport News; the heat was oppressive, but 
the troops marched well ; traveled over a very interesting 
country, with immense fields of corn, tall and beautiful, which 
undulated in the breeze like the waves of the ocean after a 
storm. The column halted six miles northwest of the town, 
well tired out, with a good day's march. 

August 23d. Up early and made a prompt start; half 
an hour afterwards it began to rain and soon poured down 
in torrents. We know a thing or two now about campaign- 
ing, and so a rain storm is something to enjoy, at least for 
mounted men ; on the pommels of our saddles we carry, rolled 
and strapped, a rubber coat, leggings, and cap cover, and on 
the first appearance of rain get into our leggings, strapping 
our spurs over them, so that the feet are protected. The 
coat is made on purpose for mounted men and is full behind 
to cover the horse and blankets. When one is encased in this 
rubber armor, he can laugh at the wildest storm, perform 
his duties comfortably, and go into his quarters perfectly dry. 
The men are provided with ponchos, a rubber blanket with a 
slit in the center, through which the head is passed, and thus 
are fully protected, as also are their arms and accoutrements ; 
marched steadily without interruption, arriving at noon, and 
encamped by the sea side, 

" Where we long have pined to 
Linger, where the pebble-covered shore, 
Under the quiet faint kisses of the sea. 
Trembles, and sparkles as with ecstacy." 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 175 

The rain ceased before we arrived, and the sun shone 
just as brilliantly as ever, and soon dried up the ground. 
There is no town proper here, nothing but a lot of little 
wretched shops about the wharves, but the sea view is superb. 
The water so deep that the largest ships can come close to 
the shore ; all the natural elements, in fact, for a great seaport, 
but there is no enterprise in this part of the country ; every- 
thing seems to have long since attained its maximum, and is 
now content to vegetate and gradually die. Our men bought 
out the oyster men in short order, and were soon engaged 
in frying, stewing, and eating raw, every variety of oyster 
under the sun. A small party from our headquarters took 
a swim in the deep blue sea during the evening and greatly 
enjoyed it. Transports were not ready, so we had to wait till 
Sunday, the 25th, when our regiment embarked on the steam- 
ship Spaulding, together with the Fifty-second New York 
and Second Delaware. We lay off the dock all day Sunday, 
waiting for the rest of the division to embark. Early on 
Monday morning, everything being ready, we steamed away 
for Acquia Creek on the Potomac, where we arrived towards 
evening and remained on board all night. 

August 2jth. At 5 a. m. disembarked and marched up 
the hills, which here form a very high and steep bluff, 
bivouacking near the woods a short distance in rear, stacked 
arms and lay down ; in a few minutes we were ordered back 
again to the docks, and on board the steamer United States, 
bound for Alexandria. What a mass of soldiers were arriv- 
ing and departing from this point ! The shore was covered 
as far as one could see with troops, and incessant streams of 
men were in motion in different directions. Events of great 
importance are evidently impending, but we received very 
little information of what was going on. Arriving at Alexan- 
dria early in the morning, we immediately disembarked and 
marched directly for Camp California, our first winter quar- 
ters. When the men came in sight of the old spot, they 
fairly yelled with delight, throwing their caps in the air, and 
hurrahing till half their throats were sore. The Fifty-second 
German regiment expressed their feeling by singing mag- 
nificently, "Home Again." Nearly every man in this regi- 
ment is a singer, and they have organized a system of singing 
on the march, when going through towns, on any notable 



176 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFTCF.R 

occasion, which is most impressive. Every regiment 
bivouacked on its original ground, and most of us began to 
arrange and plan for a new camp, expecting a moderate stay, 
but were doomed to disappointment. The trains were not yet 
up, and as we have no camp equipage, are obliged to 
bivouac in the open air. What an extraordinary coincidence, 
that just five months after the opening of hostilities in the 
spring we should be back on the identical ground we started 
from, but not all of us are here; just about one-half of 
those who started to run the gauntlet of shot and shell, dis- 
ease and capture, have succumbed to the one or the other, and 
their bones in many cases are whitening many a lonely spot 
in the pine forests of this unlucky state. Those of us surviving 
are a hardy, well disciplined, experienced body of troops 
that no disaster can appal, no hardship terrify ; men for whom 
the soldiers of Lee's army have a most wholesome respect. 
The campaign we have just finished has, of course, been a 
lamentable failure, but, as I have frequently observed, the 
general commanding, and not the men, is to blame. I re- 
member a verse of a song, said to have been sung by the 
French army, commanded by Villeroi, after the battle of 
Cremone, in Piedmont, in which Villeroi, the commanding 
general, was captured ; both armies were equally delighted : 

" Francais rendon grace a Bellone, 
Notre bonheur est sans egal : 
Nous avons conserve Cremone 
Et perdu notre General ! 

If we have really lost our general, I expect we shall do 
much better. 

We busied ourselves getting information about the state 
of affairs, which is greatly mixed. Hooker and Kearney's 
division passed through here a week ago by rail to join Pope's 
army. Porter, with Morrel's and Syke's division, landed at 
Aquia Creek about the same time and marched to Fredericks- 
burg, so that two corps of our army, at least, are with Pope, 
who ought to be able to give a good account of himself, thus 
reinforced. 

August 2()th. Early this morning received orders to march 
to the old Bull Run battlefield, to the assistance of General 
Pope, who, report says, is getting much the worst of the 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 177 

fighting. Bull Run seems a fatal stream for us. Our entire 
division fell in, taking the road to Alexandria for a while, 
then turning off to the left, passed in front of Washington, 
and halted on the glacis of Fort Corcoran, bivouacking there 
for the night. Early on the 30th we marched up close to the 
fort, stacked arms, and put up our tents, it being understood 
we were to form an additional garrison for the fort. At two 
o'clock, however, we were ordered to make a forced march 
to Centreville, leaving our tents behind us, and so started 
instantly, and had not gone many miles when the familiar 
sound of cannonading greeted our ears, increasing as we pro- 
ceeded. We stepped out willingly and rapidly throughout the 
day, reaching Fairfax court house at midnight; here we 
halted for a rest of two hours, and then proceeded over a 
road blockaded with private carriages, ambulances, teams, 
and troops to Centreville, where we formed in brigade masses 
on the heights and rested on our arms for further orders. The 
old Bull Run of 1861 was vividly before my eyes; the ground 
we stood upon was the identical ground occupied by the line 
of New Jersey troops, who gave the scattered legions of Mc- 
Dowell such a terrific shock. Ah, how distinctly I remember ! 
Around, in all directions, heavy bodies of troops were 
massed similar to ourselves, apparently awaiting orders. In 
the course of a couple of hours our division deployed in line of 
battle, marched forward over the open ground to the edge of 
a piece of woods, where we expected to find the enemy ; re- 
mained in this position throughout the day, without, however, 
getting a sight of a single rebel, and towards evening were 
ordered back to Washington, the enemy having passed to 
our right, moving towards the upper Potomac. As we were 
marching off the field, another order was received, directing 
the first division to form the rear guard and cover the retreat 
of the whole army. The vicissitudes of war have, as every- 
body knows, made our division familiar with this particu- 
lar kind of duty, and on this account I suppose we are se- 
lected. The column was halted, formed on either side of 
the road, stacked arms, and waited for all to pass by. At 11 
p. m. the roads were free, not a single man or vehicle of any 
description being left behind, so we fell in with a battery of 
guns and brought up the rear in fine order, keeping everything 
in front of us and a lively lookout in the rear. As usual, after 



178 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

a battle it rained hard all night, making the marching laborious 
and tedious. At daylight passed through Fairfax court house 
and went into position two miles north of it on Flint Hill, 
stacked arms, and got our breakfast. Just ahead of us were 
large bodies of troops and vast parks of wagons and artillery, 
all taking a rest ; as we were to remain till they were gone, 
we lay down and got some much needed sleep. About 3 
p. m., the ground being clear in front, we fell in and were 
just about to resume the march, when a rebel horse battery 
came in sight, deliberately unlimbered, went into position, 
and opened fire, but we gave them so hearty a reception they 
only remained about five minutes, leaving the field at a gallop, 
amidst a shower of shrapnel from our guns. This little 
incident over, we limbered up and proceeded, passing over 
the identical ground covered by us of the Seventy-first in 
'61, through Vienna, to the chain bridge on the Potomac, 
where the whole corps encamped. The men were greatly 
fatigued by the march, which was interrupted constantly by 
the breakdown of the wagons, as well as by stragglers and 
invalids. Our business was to clean up everything before 
us, which we did completely and successfully, assisting in the 
repair of wagons, cheering up the faint-hearted, compelling 
stragglers to step out, and putting all those actually unable 
to walk in ambulances. Everything was done leisurely and 
orderly. We were not afraid of the enemy this time, as we 
were in '61, and that makes all the difference. 



CHAPTER XII 

pope's campaign, antietam, harper's ferry, and occupa- 
tion OF FALMa t TH, VA. 

UPON our return to the defenses of Washington we heard 
for the first time that General McClellan had been re- 
lieved from the command of the army of the Potomac, 
which was a great surprise to us, and caused much anxiety. 
There is no doubt the army feels very kindly toward the Gen- 
eral, although our expectations have not been realized. Still, he 
created this army, and for that alone is entitled to every con- 
sideration. It seems the President has formed another army 
called the army of Virginia, which was in position along the 
line of the Rappahannock and Rapidan rivers, extending from 
Frederickburg on the left, to Rapidan Station on the Orange, 
and Alexandria railroad on the right, and an officer unknown 
to us, General Pope, is in command. When the Army of the 
Potomac was ordered to withdraw from the Peninsula, Pope 
was directed to make a demonstration on Gordonsville to at- 
tract Lee's attention. Consequently on the 9th of August, the 
day McClellan sent out his first reconnoissance toward Malvern 
Hill and Richmond, Banks, with his corps crossed the Rapidan 
and advanced towards the objective point, soon meeting the 
enemy, who proved to be in greater force than expected, and 
so after a stubborn engagement, was obliged to retire with con- 
siderable loss behind Cedar Run. From prisoners taken it 
was learnt that Jackson's division was part of the opposing 
force. The rebel General Stuart's adjutant was captured, and 
from papers in his possession it was discovered that both Jack- 
son and Longstreet were in full force, and about to attack 
Pope's army in hopes of a great success, before the army of the 
Potomac could be brought around to its assistance. 

It is almost certain that Lee received information of our 
intended movement as soon as it was decided upon, certainly 
before it commenced, and was thus at liberty to move securely 
and swiftly, by an inner circle, with every prospect of success- 
fully engaging Pope's army. Pope, after learning of Jack- 

179 



i So DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

son's presence, contracted his lines by withdrawing from the 
Rapidan to the Rappahannock, and, watching the fords, in- 
tending to defend that river until the army of the Potomac, 
joined him, which was being sent forward with all possible 
speed. 

On the 25th of August, the enemy made extensive prepara- 
tions for crossing. It proved however, only a ruse to throw 
Pope off the track of his real movements. Jackson, with 
twenty-five thousand men marching in broad daylight, by wax 
of Olean, Salem, and Thoroughfare Gap, placed himself on the 
morning of the 26th, in position at Bristoe Station, squarely in 
rear of the army of Virginia, and across its lines of communi- 
cation, without opposition. At the same time, he sent a column 
to Manassas Junction, in rear of Bristoe Station, which cap- 
tured the garrison and immense quantities of stores, setting 
fire to what he could not carry away. 

On the evening of the 26th General Pope was informed 
that rail communication with the rear was interrupted, and im- 
mediately ordered Hooker's division, just arrived from the 
army of the Potomac, to clear away the supposed cavalry 
raiders. When the division arrived it found the station held 
in force by infantry, and in the course of a sharp fight, in which 
the enemy was driven back, the true state of affairs was dis- 
covered and immediately telegraphed to General Pope, who 
promptly ordered up Porter's corps and Kearney's division, 
fresh from the army of the Potomac, to Hooker's assistance, 
and directed the concentration of all the other troops at Gains- 
ville during the night. Jackson, finding himself opposed by a 
large body of infantry, retired during the night to the north 
side of the Warington pike, and took up a strong position be- 
hind an old railway embankment, running from Sudley Springs 
to Gainsville. 

Some delay was caused by lack of knowledge of Jackson's 
exact whereabouts, but on the 28th his position, being defined 
was attacked with great vigor, without result however, and on 
the 29th the contest was renewed, but after great slaughter, 
Pope was obliged to retire, unable to drive Jackson out of his 
formidable position. On the 30th Longstreet, through the 
treacherous inactivity of Fitz John Porter, succeeded in join- 
ing his forces to those of Jackson, and falling upon Pope with 
his combined force, compelled the latter to retire across Bull 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 181 

Run to Centerville, where he was in position when Franklin 
and our corps (Sumner's) arrived on the field. 

The extraordinary conduct of Fitz John Porter in permit- 
ting Longstreet to pass in front of him to join in the action 
furiously going- on on his right, everybody says, is the cause 
of the misfortune to our arms. Porter was in position in the 
rear of a small stream, Dawkins Run, for the express purpose 
of preventing the union of the rebel forces, and had been 
ordered to prevent Longstreet joining at all hazards. Instead 
of attacking Longstreet S right Hank, which was entirely ex- 
posed, as he was directed to do, Porter remained absolutely 
inactive, not firing a shot, although fully acquainted with the 
desperate nature of the battle being fought so near to him. 
Porter is McClellan's bosom friend, and it is said he failed to 
accomplish anything on account of his antipathy to Pope, and 
chagrin at McClellan's dismissal. Such a state of things seems 
incredible, and it must be that there is some other cause for his 
lamentable failure. Lee's army did not cross the Bull Run to 
continue the fighting, but moved in the direction of the upper 
Potomac, reports say, to cross the river and "carry the war 
into Africa," in other words, to invade the States of Mary- 
land and Pennsylvania. Our withdrawal to Washington, to- 
gether with the entire Union army, of course, followed, and 
we are now to move on an inner circle through Maryland, in 
order to head off the rebel forces, which means another battle 
greater than any we have yet fought. As a choice of evils 
McClellan has been placed in command again, and is directing 
the present operations ; the excitement North is tremendous. 
That the rebel army should be advancing into the Northern 
states is something no one dreamed possible and the people 
are quick to recognize the fact that war at home is quite a 
different affair to war at the other fellow's home. 

The militia are under arms hurrying to the defenses of 
Washington, and Baltimore, and everybody is on the tip toe 
of expectation for : 

"Grim visaged war is at their very doors." 

Early on Wednesday morning, September 4th, our corps 
crossed the chain bridge, and marched direct to Tennallytown, 
a pretty village about six miles from Washington. We expe- 
rienced for the first time the pleasure of marching through a 



1 8 2 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

country where the populace was friendly, which made us feel 
proud to belong to the gallant army that was hurrying- to place 
itself across the path of the invader. Camp was pitched in a 
commanding position overlooking a lovely and picturesque 
country. Nearby were two forts garrisoned by new regiments, 
who took a lively interest in our veteran soldiers. As soon as 
the troops were in position, several of the officers rode into the 
village for a taste of civilization. We found almost the whole 
population in the street viewing with intense interest the sun- 
burnt soldiers, on whom so much depends. 

When our party rode up crowds of women and youngsters 
surrounded us, offering fruit, flowers and water, and gazed 
with admiration at our dress and accoutrements. We took 
kindly to the glory of finding ourselves the heroes of the hour, 
and reciprocated the crowd's interest, parting with many of 
our buttons to the prettiest girls. Colonel Brooke is in com- 
mand of the brigade. Zook being absent, I am sorry to say 
sick, and Parisen the lieutenant-colonel is in command of the 
regiment. 

September 5///. Thursday morning, mounted guard in 
presence of a large crowd, including many ladies in carriages. 
Throughout the day hosts of people flocked about the camps, 
all very friendly, including one charming group of school girls, 
who, to us, were as the first appearance of the sun to the North- 
ern explorer, after an arctic winter. Rumors of the enemy 
crossing the upper Potomac coming in hourly ; the whole army 
is concentrating here and the country is covered with camps. 

September 6th, Friday. At noon we struck tents and 
marched through a lovely country to Rockville, where the 
whole corps went into bivouac. This place is about twenty 
five miles northwest of Washington, and nearly ten from the 
Potomac. 

'fhe army has been divided into wings, Sumner has the 
Second and Twelfth corps, Franklin the Fifth, and Sixth, and 
Burnside the First and Ninth. 

What a superb opportunity is once more offered McClellan 
to achieve enduring fame. He has an immense army, well 
equipped and disciplined and eager for the fray; brains, and 
genius only are wanting to accomplish the greatest results. 

The possibilities of a disaster to our arms at this juncture 
are so momentous that every man feels the necessity of doing 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 183 

his utmost, regardless of all personal considerations. Balti- 
more, Washington, and perhaps Philadelphia would be the 
prizes to fall into the hands of the rebels if successful, and 
that is surely enough to stimulate us to the highest deeds of 
valor. 

September II, 1862. In bivouac near Clarksburg, there 
is great anxiety in regard to the enemy's movements, which 
does not, however, prevent our enjoying this magnificent coun- 
try. The contrast between Virginia and Maryland is so extra- 
ordinary, that Maryland seems an elysium, where the most 
charming and delightful views are unfolded day by day, as in a 
panorama. Every part appears to be cultivated, and the farms, 
villages, farm houses and buildings, are models of good taste, 
and evidences of wealth and enterprise. Some of the country 
houses indeed are abodes of luxury, which remind one of the 
stately homes of England. 

September jj. Remained in bivouac yesterday near 
Clarksburg, and this morning marched for Frederick City, 
arriving in the afternoon. As we entered the main street the 
drums sounded attention, and the troops marched in regular 
order, with bands playing and colors flying. We were received 
with open arms by the inhabitants, who crowded the streets and 
sidewalks, waving handkerchiefs, and showing every mani- 
festation of delight. Women and girls ran into the ranks 
handing out water, pies, bouquets and handkerchiefs, and were 
beside themselves with joy. The crowd, indeed, was so great; 
that we had all we could do to keep our horses from stepping 
on them. When the Fifty-second regiment reached the prin- 
cipal part of the town, it broke out into one of its sonorous and 
magnificent war songs, producing a wonderful effect. This is 
the first real opportunity we have had of showing off to our 
grateful countrywomen, and we made the most of it, display- 
ing our horsemanship to the best advantage. We passed 
through the town, going into bivouac on the western side. 
As soon as the troops were established in bivouac, Colonel 
Parisen and I rode back to town, ant spent the evening 
there, meeting a lot of army fellows we had long lost sight 
of. Frederick City is nearly fifty miles northwest of Wash- 
ington and is close to the South Mountain range. The whole 
of the army is near by and the enemy between us and the 
Potomac. 



i8 4 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

September i-fth, Sunday morning. Early this morning 
we marched out towards the South Mountains in which di- 
rection we heard the sullen sound of an occasional gun. We 
passed through Boonsboro, and began the ascent of the moun- 
tain, forming line of battle as we neared the gap, expecting to 
find the enemy in possession. Moving slowly, and carefully 
forward, we soon came upon several dead rebels, and as we 
aproached the gap the ground was liberally strewn with them, 
lying behind rocks and boulders, which covered the ascent 
near the gap. There was a sharp action here yesterday it 
seems, between Pleasanton's cavalry, and the First and Ninth 
corps, and the enemy's advance guard, the latter being driven 
back with considerable loss. We met with no opposition and 
rapidly descended the western slope, marching through 
Keedysville. As in Frederick City, here too, we were received 
with tumultuous cheering. All the inhabitants apparently, 
being in the streets, who showed their patriotism by serving out 
water, waving their handkerchiefs, etc. They told us the rebels 
had been there and taken all their provisions and horses and 
were now only a short distance in front of us. Passing through 
Keedysville we marched along the Sharpsburg pike towards 
the Antietam, our brigade leading the corps and the Fifty-sev- 
enth the brigade ; we were marching at the route step in column 
of fours, taking it leisurely, Colonel Parisen and I some dis- 
tance in advance, when all at once we noticed the dust flying 
suspiciously in many places around us. We halted the column, 
took out our glasses, and there, directly in front of us, saw the 
rebel army drawn up in battle array about half a mile in front. 
To get a better view, I rode up to a fence a short distance ahead, 
and standing on the top rail, easily made out the long gray 
lines, extending from left to right, as far as I could see. My 
further observation from this position was interrupted by a 
round shot which struck the fence and sent some of the rails 
spinning out of sight and me to the ground, sans ceremonie; 
after some delay, General Richardson came up and ordered 
line of battle formed parallel to the river, which brought our 
regiment just under the crest of a considerable hill, overlooking 
the whole country, and from which we subsequently examined 
the enemy's lines at leisure. They were admirably posted in 
rear of the Antietam upon a long line of low hills, commanding 
the entire valley. The left of our division rested on the Sharps- 




o 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 185 

burg road ; Sykes's division formed on the other side of it as 
soon as it came up, extending the line well towards the left. 
During the formation the enemy, who could distinctly see us, 
shelled us and for a while made things lively. One of our 
batteries of three inch guns in position on the hill in front of 
our brigade, replied, but was immediately stopped by General 
Hooker, who just then came along and directed all offensive 
operations to cease until more troops came up, as the whole 
rebel army was in front of us, he said, while the greater part 
of ours was yet many miles in rear. Fresh columns of troops 
arrived on the ground continuously, and went into position on 
either side of us, the reserve artillery as it came up occupying 
all the commanding positions with heavy guns. A battery of 
twenty pounder Parrots replaced the three inch guns on the hill, 
just in front of the Fifty-seventh. During the evening, many of 
the natives came from the other side and told us what they knew 
of the enemy's movements. It seems they only came on the 
ground about an hour before our division, and were in fact se- 
lecting their positions, when the head of our column came in 
sight. These countrymen say only a part of the rebel army is in 
front, a considerable force having been detached to capture 
Harper's Ferry, which is held by a garrison of ten thousand 
men under Colonel Miles. We understood this however, several 
days since, and also that Franklin corps had been detached to 
try and cut them off, or at least detain them long enough for 
us to thrash these fellows now in front of us. We slept on the 
side of the hill, rolled in our blankets, expecting to open the 
ball at daylight. 

September 16th, Tuesday. Fell in at daylight but remained 
in position, much to the surprise of everybody. Shortly after- 
wards an artillery duel commenced, which continued through- 
out the day. The enemy have an immense number of guns in 
position, apparently more than we have, and are liberal in the 
expenditure of ammunition. So far as our own regiment is 
concerned it had no effect, we simply lay on our backs and 
speculated as to where certain shells would burst as they went 
rushing over our heads. But one cannot always attend to one's 
own business and the temptation to note the effect of batteries 
in action is very great. Frequently several of us crept to the 
top of the hill and there glass in hand, watched the flight of 
the twenty pounders shell and marked where they struck or 



1 86 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

exploded. Unluckily these big guns proved almost useless, 
three of them blowing away their muzzles whilst I was in the 
battery, of course disabling them. They are made of cast iron 
with a wrought iron jacket at the breech and are evidently not 
strong enough for guns of this calibre. The ten pounders of 
which we have a great many are all right and very popular. 

Nothing occurred of interest on our front until towards 
evening, when Jack Garcon, an O'Malley type of Irish dragoon, 
aide-de-camp to General Meagher, amused the troops by a dis- 
play of horsemanship on the top of the hill, in full view of the 
enemy during the hottest part of the cannonading. 

On the right, however, towards evening Hooker crossed 
and engaged the rebel left, doing a good deal of fighting. Dur- 
ing the night the Eleventh corps, General Mansfield, crossed, 
and at daylight this morning the combined force commenced 
an attack which proved to be most sanguinary and without 
important result. To our astonishment the whole line was not 
engaged simultaneously, but the old McClellan method of 
fighting in detail, one corps at a time, the rest of the army look- 
ing on. The fight was murderous, the musketry terrific and the 
number of guns in action almost incredible. About 9 o'clock 
our division was ordered to follow French, now commanding 
the Third division across the river, and promptly fell in, 
marched around the base of the hill into the valley, and crossed 
at a shallow ford, Caldwell and Meagher in front. We filed off 
to the left along the stream, and lay down, while Meagher's bri- 
gade supported by Caldwell moved forward to the attack up 
the hill directly in front. As they approached the summit, they 
were met by a severe musketry fire, and were shelled by many 
guns from different directions. The first thing I noticed was 
General Meagher slip from his horse, and some of the men 
carrying him to the rear. His brigade, however, marched for- 
ward to the crest in beautiful style, but were unable to make 
further progress. They remained standing in line of battle, 
loading and firing as fast as they could, their men falling in the 
ranks every second, and we could see them gradually melting 
away. Just then Captain Norvell, of General Richardson's 
staff, came along, and ordered us forward to relieve them. The 
order to fall in was given and with nervous force, teeth firmly 
set and without a word spoken, we marched steadily forward. 
As we approached the Irish brigade, it opened files and we 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 187 

passed through, immediately coming under a terrific fire of mus- 
ketry, and artillery. Caldwell, in the meantime, had gone in on 
our left and gained considerable ground, reaching the crest of 
the hill. The enemy were in plain sight a very short distance be- 
low, and the Fifty-seventh and Sixty-sixth were ordered to 
charge, which they did, in a most gallant manner, led by Colonel 
Parisen on horseback. Down the slope, over a sunken road 
strewn with dead and dying, and into a cornfield pell mell we 
went, driving the flying rebels before us in splendid shape, bay- 
oneting all who did not promptly surrender. We finally reached 
a house, since known to be the Piper house, and came under 
a converging fire or rebel artillery and so were ordered back 
again, and to the left, taking a position on the slope of the hill 
overlooking the cornfield. Here the regiment became scattered, 
and it was some time before it was gotten together under the 
severe artillery fire. Just at this time Colonel Brooke came up 
and ordered me to join his staff as aide-de-camp in place of 
Lieutenant Potts, carried from the field badly wounded. The 
first thing to do was to reorganize the line. Richardson, on the 
left, while directing the batteries and infantry as they fell back 
into new positions, was severely wounded and carried from the 
field. There was a considerable gap on our right and Colonel 
Brooke directed me to move up the regiment on the left of 
Caldwell's brigade to close it as the enemy were advancing, 
and there was danger of our line being broken. I walked across 
the field right on the edge of the cornfield, my ears fairly burn- 
ing with the singing of the deadly minnie, I could see nothing, 
but the tips of the cornstalks were constantly toppling over, 
cut by the rebel infantry fire. When I reached the infantry 
line, it was lying flat down, and proved to be the Sixty-first 
New York, commanded by Barlow. The colonel was lying 
down, too, and I directed him by order of Colonel Brook, to 
move by the left and close up the gap. To my surprise, he 
refused to budge, saying he did not recognize Colonel Brooke's 
authority. The balls were whistling around me as I stood 
arguing with him, almost beside myself for chagrin, when 
Brooke suddenly made his appearance. I told him the colonel 
refused to recognize his authority, and he, very angry, ordered 
him instantly to move forward. Barlow got right up, advanced 
the regiment, and taking the rebels in the flank, gave them a 
severe drubbing, getting shot himself badly, which I am afraid 



1 88 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

I thought served him right. Soon afterwards Brooke and I, en- 
tirely alone, started for the brigade on the left. As the firing was 
rather serious, we walked some distance down the side of the 
hill and then started across. All of a sudden a section of rebel 
guns appeared on the crest of the hill, unlimbered, and opened 
fire ; they saw us immediately and fired one gun at us exclu- 
sively, until we were out of sight, I told the colonel we were 
certainly in for it now, but he said he did not believe they could 
hit us anyway, and so we kept right on ; the gun plowing up 
the earth with canister all around us, scattering the dirt and 
stones everywhere. A piece of shell cut off the colonel's sword 
knot, but wonderful to relate, did no further harm. We were 
not more than seventy-five to one hundred yards distant, on open 
ground, and could see the operation of loading and firing and 
the flame of the burning powder bursting out of the cannons' 
mouth perfectly. As the colonel seemed to care little for it, 
and took matters so coolly, I kept up my courage and we talked 
and walked away until out of range. As soon as the line was 
re-established we quickly drove these fellows back and so far 
as we were concerned, the battle was over. While we lay on 
the ground in position the enemy charged French's line on our 
right, but they were so far off when they started, and were in 
such loose order and small force, that we could easily see they 
were beaten before they got within range. Cannon everywhere 
opened upon them, and French's line, when they came within 
range, delivered a fire that sent them back much quicker than 
they advanced. While they were passing our right I took a ser- 
geant's musket, and fired several long range shots, using the 
adjustable sight on an Enfield piece. I tried hard, but think it 
doubtful if I hit any of them. 

Burnside commenced an attack on the left in the afternoon 
which at first seemed successful, ending, however, like most 
of his undertakings in nothing being accomplished. At sun- 
set, the battle ceased entirely, the victory, although not decisive, 
undoubtedly being with us. Our men remained throughout the 
afternoon lying in their ranks, expecting orders every moment 
for another advance, but none came and we lay in the same 
position all night. It became very cold during the night, and 
to keep off the wind we piled up a rampart of dead men and so 
spent a wretched night. Some of the wounded were brought 
in during the night by comrades from between the lines, which 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 189 

were very close together. Several times our men hailed the 
rebel pickets, asking them not to shoot, when the pitious cries 
of some poor wounded fellow attracted especial notice, and in 
many cases the friendly Johnnies held their fire, and the vic- 
tims were brought in. At break of day all fell in, expecting a 
renewal of the battle, but no movement was ordered and the 
men walked about trying to pull themselves together. 

In the rear of our lines the officers moved about in com- 
parative safety, but any attempt to cross the sunken road on the 
right intersecting our line at a right angle was almost always 
fatal. I crossed twice, however, without being hit, having to 
take orders to the Fifty-second, which lay on the other side of 
the road. No change in our position occurred during either 
the day or following night, and we shivered again without 
other protection than a pretty thin blanket. At eight o'clock 
the next morning, the 19th, the men on the skirmish line, sus- 
pecting by the stillness in front that something was up, ad- 
vanced and found the enemy gone. Immediately the men stood 
up and all was excitement. The commanding general was noti- 
fied and promptly ordered Porter's corps in pursuit, while our 
corps set to work to succor the wounded and bury the dead. 
Advancing over the hill we found it covered with dead, mostly 
our men, but just below in the sunken road over which we orig- 
inally charged, the rebel dead lay in regular ranks, so close 
together that it was hard to believe they were not living men 
in line of battle. Most of them had turned black with the two 
days' exposure and it required more than a glance to convince 
ourselves they were not negro troops. A lot of the gallant 
Fifty-seventh fellows lay scattered about the hill, the ditch, and 
cornfield. Amongst them, conspicuous for his neatness and 
soldierly appearance, was Sergeant Risley, of Co. E, firmly 
grasping his musket, his features almost as natural as in life, 
and his appointments perfect in all respects. He was a fine 
fellow, much above the average in intelligence, and a splendid 
soldier, and like a soldier died, his face towards the foe. Several 
men were shot while climbing a rail fence near by, and some of 
them stuck fast, looking in one or two cases, from a distance, 
exactly like live men. There were men in every state of mu- 
tilation, sans arms, sans legs, heads, and intestines, and in 
greater number than on any field we have seen before. About 
noon Colonel Brooke directed me to bury the dead in front 



i 9 o DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

of our brigade, and with a strong fatigue party I immediately 
went to work. In one long grave we buried fifty-three U. S. 
soldiers gathered on this side of the sunken road, and in two 
others respectively, one hundred and seventy-three, and eighty- 
five rebel soldiers ; we dug the ditches wide enough to hold two 
bodies, feet together, heads out, and long enough to hold all 
those the men had collected. When they were all carefully laid 
away, we threw over them some army blankets gathered on the 
field, and then replaced the earth. How many shattered hopes 
we buried there none of us may ever guess. War is certainly 
a dreadful thing, and a battlefield an ugly blot on civilization. 

The country people flocked to the battlefield like vultures, 
their curiosity and inquisitiveness most astonishing; while my 
men were all at work many of them stood around, dazed and 
awe-stricken by the terrible evidence of the great fight ; hun- 
dreds were scatered over the field, eagerly searching for souve- 
nirs in the shape of cannon balls, guns, bayonets, swords, can- 
teens, etc. They were all jubilant over the rebel defeat, of 
course, and claimed for us a mighty victory. I was much 
amused at the way they stared at me. Had I been the veritable 
Hector of Troy, I could have scarcely excited more curiosity 
than while in command of this burial party. 

Our brigade moved down to the foot of the hill, immediately 
after it was known the enemy had decamped, and prepared hot 
coffee for the first time in three days. We took no immediate 
part in the pursuit of the rebels, that duty being taken by the 
cavalry and Porter's corps. 

In the course of the morning, I walked over to the hospital 
in rear of our lines, located in a house near by, and found Gen- 
eral Richardson dangerously wounded, Lieutenant Bell of my 
regiment with his skull crushed, and Throop shot through the 
arm, which will probably necessitate its amputation. Bell was 
left on the battlefield all night, when some of his men discov- 
ered him still breathing. They carried him to the hospital, and 
he is still alive, with a remote possibility of pulling through. 
While our losses are heavy, they are said to be a mere bagatelle 
to those of the right wing. Twenty thousand men, it is 
claimed, were killed and wounded during the battle, which 
seems too enormous to be true. 

General W. S. Hancock arrived on the field about 3 p. m. 
the evening of the fight, from Smith's division, and assumed 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 191 

command of the division. He is a fine, soldierly looking officer, 
and distinguished himself, in a mild way, at the affair of Wil- 
liamsburg. He brought two aides along with him, Lieutenants 
Mitchell and Parker. Mitchell is a tall, slim young fellow, 
who looks every inch a soldier. In this battle the Fifty-seventh 
and Third brigade came out with flying colors, every one 
admitting they behaved with exemplary gallantry, and achieved 
great success. In the charge, besides those killed and 
wounded, we captured several hundred of the enemy, rushing 
right over them and sending them to the rear. Two or three 
flags at least were captured, and so the regiment and brigade in 
a measure, were compensated for their heavy list of casualties. 
Our gallant Parisen fell in the cornfield at the head of his regi- 
ment. He was the kindest and bravest of men, and perhaps the 
best loved officer in the regiment. He was very good to me, 
and together we have spent many hours in search of recreation. 
He was very handsome, tall, straight and manly, and his death 
is a veritable loss to the service. Other Fifty-seventh officers 
killed are Folger of Company I, and Higbee of Company H, 
Throop, Britt, Jones, and Bell are wounded. The whole loss 
of the regiment is something over a hundred, which is wonder- 
ful, considering the fire they were exposed to. 

General Lee conducted his retreat with much skill, crossing 
the Potomac, and saving all his material with little or no loss. 
Our victory, considering the immense interests at stake, is cer- 
tainly of the very utmost importance. The invading hosts 
have quickly been driven back to their piney forests, lifting an 
immense load from the hearts of the loyal North, but for all 
that our movements have been very supine. Lee's army ought 
not to have got away so easily, but should have been pushed to 
the wall, and fought without mercy every day. From experi- 
ence, however, we know that General McClellan is not equal 
to great occasions, and therefore it is useless to expect brilliant 
results while he is in command. The militia are going home 
again, and the Nation's pulse will soon regain its normal con- 
dition, while our dear Maryland friends may resume their 
peaceful occupations, and have something to talk about as long 
as they live. 

September 21st. This morning the Second corps fell in at 
an early hour and marched to Harper's Ferry, encamping on 
Bolivar Heights. The march was very pleasant, the roads 



i 9 2 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

being good, and the weather superb. The whole army is in 
camp in the vicinity, and every hill and valley within sight is 
dotted over with canvas villages. Harper's Ferry is one of 
the picturesque spots in America, delightfully situated in the 
gap of the Blue Ridge mountains. The Shenandoah here 
unites with the Potomac, and together they flow between the 
range of mountains on the way to the deep blue sea. Away 
off to the southwest the Blue Ridge mountains, with their 
thickly wooded slopes, form an impenetrable wall on the east- 
erly side of the beautiful valley of the Shenandoah, and to the 
equally fertile Louden valley on the opposite side of the range. 

The town lays in the hollow, at the foot of the heights, and 
is now of no importance, except as the place where the cele- 
brated John Brown and his followers immortalized themselves. 
The old blackened walls of the government arsenals, destroyed 
at the very beginning of the war, stand like grim skeletons in 
their hideousness, and with the exception of a few straggling 
huts, is all there is of the place. 

From Bolivar Heights, on which our camp is pitched, we 
have a magnificent view of the Shenandoah valley, limited only 
by the distant horizon. Immediately across the river are the 
Loudon Heights, and there, perched up well in the clouds, are 
several batteries and a large force of infantry. The place is of 
great strength naturally, but requires a big garrison to hold it. 
Unless both heights many miles in extent are held, it is un- 
tenable, and I suppose Miles with his eleven or twelve thou- 
sand men, who surrendered so promptly to General Jackson, 
concluded it was useless to fight with his small command. It 
seems Miles retired from the heights on the approach of the 
enemy, and took shelter in the town, where he was absolutely 
powerless. As the general was killed, his apparently poor judg- 
ment and wretched defense will never be explained. But if the 
place had held out for twenty-four hours which seems quite pos- 
sible, Franklin's corps would have reached it from the Mary- 
land side, and together they could not only have held the fort, 
but prevented Jackson from joining Lee at Antietam, which 
would very likely have resulted in Lee's destruction. Miles 
probably knew nothing of the measures taken for his relief, but 
the result shows how imperatively necessary it is for all com- 
manders of detached posts to hold on to the very death. What 
a chance Miles had for making a hero of himself! 



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Lieutenant-Colonel P. J. Parisen, 

57th N. Y. Infantry. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 193 

Lee's army is reported in the neighborhood of Winchester, 
and is believed to be wholly west of the Blue Ridge. No at- 
tempt, apparently, at present is to be made to renew the cam- 
paign, and so we are putting up our tents and forming regular 
camps. The losses have been so great, that few of the old 
regiments now exceed two hundred men each. The recruiting 
service is entirely out of joint, and does not furnish in six 
months as many men as we sometimes lose before breakfast. 
The total force of the army is maintained by raising new regi- 
ments, instead of filling up the old ones, and consequently half 
the men are inexperienced and useless. It is a wonder to me, 
that such a vital point should be overlooked by the Government, 
and no attempt made to keep the force up in quality as well as 
in numbers. 

Another difficulty with the service is the lack of system in 
promotion. Excepting subaltern commissions, nearly all are 
obtained through influence at home. There are notable in- 
stances in my own regiment, where officers have been commis- 
sioned, directly in opposition to the colonel's recommendation, 
and the seniority and rights of other officers. 

September 2jth. The camp looks lonesome in the absence 
of so many familiar faces. If we could only get substitutes to 
take the places of those constantly dropping out through the 
casualties of war that would be some compensation, but as it 
is there is only a void, and the result is a general apathy, and 
loss of interest. War is not as romantic as it once seemed to 
me, the cruelty and suffering is incredible and worries one all 
the time, and the losses and destruction of human life, at all 
events in this war, are so enormous that it seems only a question 
of time, when all of us must be hors dn combat. 

September 28th. Excellent weather. Nothing of impor- 
tance to relate. Our tents are pitched, and we are living in 
luxury and abundance, drilling, and making as much as pos- 
sible out of what is left to us. McKim is in charge of the divis- 
ion hospital in a large brick house, and is gaining much reputa- 
tion for industry, as well as for his professional attainments. 
We still keep up our ancient familiarity, and frequently take 
long romantic rides together. The other day we crossed the 
river by the pontoon bridge, and rode leisurely along the base of 
the Blue Ridge over an excellent road, delightfully shaded for a 
considerable distance up the Loudon valley. We stopped at a 



i 9 4 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

house by the mountain side, and found a very clever old lady 
agreeably disposed. Bought some honey and fresh milk, which 
we disposed of al fresco, while listening to the experiences of 
the old lady, who related a lot of gossip. 

Much time has been spent here in preparing the official re- 
ports of the engagement at Antietam. 

Colonel John R. Brooke's report of the battle, as command- 
ing officer of the brigade, mentions our charge as follows : 

"The enemy having taken post in a cornfield, in the rear of 
Roulett's farm house, I sent the Fifty-third Pennsylvania to 
dislodge them, and hold the position, and this was done with 
great gallantry. I then advanced the Fifty-seventh and Sixty- 
sixth New York to relieve Caldwell's lines, which were fiercely 
assailed by fresh troops of the enemy. Passing his line with 
steadiness and regularity they drove the enemy from the field 
in great confusion, capturing two colors, and covering the 
ground with dead and wounded. It was here the gallant Lieu- 
tenant Colonel Parisen fell, while bravely cheering his men on 
to victory. Lieutenant J. M. Favill, Adputant Fifty-seventh 
New York, after Lieutenant Potts was borne from the field, 
supplied his place with great gallantry." 

In General Hancock's report of the part the division, as a 
whole, took in the battle, he pays some of us very handsome 
compliments. He says : "There were some officers, who by 
their position and the occasions presented, had opportunities 
of acquiring the highest distinction, and amongst others names 
Lieutenant, Colonel Parisen, Major A. B. Chapman, and First 
Lieutenant J. M. Favill, of the Fifty-seventh." 
Major Chapman's report of Antietam : 

Camp on Bolivar Heights, 
September 24th, 1862. 
Lieutenant : I have the honor to submit the following re- 
port of the movements of my command during the action of the 
17th instant near Sharpsburg. About noon of that day, we be- 
came actively engaged with the enemy, our brigade having re- 
lieved that of General Meagher. This regiment, and the Sixty- 
sixth, received orders to march on the enemy, who were at that 
time drawn up in a ditch at the foot of the hill on which we were, 
and from which they were pouring a galling fire into our ranks. 
Animated by the presence of both their brigade and division 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 195 

commanders, the regiment moved forward with a determined 
enthusiasm I have never seen excelled. In a few minutes we 
had cleared the ditch of every living enemy, and were driving 
them in great disorder through the cornfield beyond. It was 
during this period of action we lost our noble and gallant 
Lieutenant-Colonel Parisen, and several valuable line officers. 
We took the colors of the Twelfth Alabama and many prison- 
ers. I am unable to form a very correct estimate of the latter, 
but they considerably exceeded the number of men in the ranks 
of my regiment. 

Remaining a short time in line at the farther end of this 
cornfield, I received orders to move the regiment to the support 
of a battery on our left and rear. I filed around the foot of 
the hill under a terrible fire of grape and cannister, which for- 
tunately caused us comparatively slight loss, being aimed too 
high. Arriving on the left of the battery, I found General 
Richardson, who was in the act of assigning me my position, 
when he was badly wounded, and carried from the field. I 
then formed on the right of Caldwell's brigade, and remained 
in that position until I received orders from the colonel com- 
manding the brigade to form on the left of the Second Dela- 
ware, then posted on the hill on which we remained during the 
succeeding two days. 

It is with gratification that I speak of the general conduct 
of my command, both officers and men. They acted nobly 
throughout. I would especially mention Capt. N. Garrow 
Throop, severely wounded; Capt. James W. Britt, who al- 
though wounded, refused to leave the field; Capt. Kirk, Curtis 
and Mott, Lieut. John H. Bell, severely wounded ; Lieuts. Jones, 
Wright ; Higbee and Folger, killed. The medical officers of the 
regiment, Surgeon R. V. McKim and Assistant Surgeon Henry 
C. Dean and Nelson Neely are deserving of all praise for their 
care and attention to the wounded, and the promptness with 
which they caused them to be removed from the field. Among 
the enlisted men I would especially mention First Sergeant 
Lindason, of Company F (killed) ; First Lieutenant John S. 
Paden, Company A (wounded) ; Sergeant H. W. Cooper, Com- 
pany H (killed) ; Sergeant Stobbe, Company A (wounded) ; 
and Kelly, Company A ; First Sergeant Hall, Company I, and 
Alcoke, Company K, and Brower, Company K. The last three 
I placed in command of companies which had lost officers and 
sergeants. 



1 96 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

I have considered it unnecessary to submit a more elaborate 
report, inasmuch as every movement was made under the im- 
mediate supervision of the colonel commanding the brigade, 
who on that day seemed omnipresent. We took into battle 
three hundred and nine officers and men, and lost ninety-seven 
killed and wounded, and three missing. 

A. B. Chapman, 

Major Commanding. 

The doctor, I am sorry to say, is going to desert us to get 
married, and will never rejoin again. This is the most unkind- 
est cut of all, and at this melancholy time, too, when so many 
of our best fellows are hors du combat through the casualties 
of war. It is like pulling up by the roots all our early associa- 
tions, and is enough to make one swear! Why could not the 
young woman wait awhile? 

October ioth. The army is still enjoying a rest, and has 
refitted, and barring additions to our ranks, is in as fine condi- 
tion as ever. 

The newspapers are getting anxious about another cam- 
paign, and it does look as though we were wasting valuable 
time, although none of us is particularly anxious for another 
fight. A great many new regiments have joined, and it is a 
thousand pities we can not send home their officers and distri- 
bute the men amongst the old regiments. What a tremendous 
difference that would make to the efficiency of the army. 

On the 1 2th I rode over for the second time to Pry's House, 
on the Antietam battlefield, to see General Richardson about 
Zook's papers for promotion to be brigadier-general, but found 
the general hopelessly ill with no chance of recovery. I en- 
joyed the ride, although it was a little lonesome and tiresome. 
I have now letters from General Howard, Commanding Second 
division, General Caldwell, First brigade of our division, and 
General Stoneman, of the cavalry service, and the colonel's 
brother, David, starts home with them to-morrow. 

October 16th. The rebel General Stuart crossed the 
Potomac on the ioth above Williamsport, and has made a most 
successful raid entirely around our army, recrossing in safety 
near the Monocacy. He has destroyed immense quantities of 
material, besides refitting his command, and captured horses 
enough to nearly remount it, and the country is in consequence 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 197 

in the direst distress. He went as far as Chambersburg, de- 
stroying everything in his path, and we sat supinely quiet, and 
our cavalry, too. Oh for a military genius to take command ! 
Colonel Zook has rejoined us again and assumed command of 
the brigade. I, of course, go with him, and become acting 
assistant adjutant general. 

October 21st. Have just returned from a little reconnois- 
sance up the valley, to Charleston. We marched out on the 
morning of the 16th, weather charming, and as the country is 
open, and very beautiful, we anticipated a jolly time of it, but 
during the night, while in bivouac, it rained great guns, and 
made things very uncomfortable. In the morning, after passing 
through our picket lines, we formed in regular order, skir- 
mishers in front, flankers on either side, advance guard with 
supports, batteries, etc., in superb style, strictly according to 
regulations. We soon came in contact with the rebel cavalry 
videtts, and were shelled by one of their batteries. We drove 
in the pickets, and our batteries gave their attention to the rebel 
guns. Zook and his staff rode ahead in front of the skirmish, 
line. Advancing through some heavy timber, we reached an 
open field, and on the other side of it some five hundred yards 
distant, drawn up in battle array, was a long line of the enemy's 
cavalry, who charged across the field the moment they caught 
sight of us. We wheeled to the rear, and galloped for shelter 
behind our men. In the race I lost my watch chain, which 
caught in a branch and was broken off. Our men advanced, 
and soon the cavalry were obliged to retire about as fast as they 
had advanced, but I could not recover the lost chain. The ad- 
vance was continued until we reached the village of Charles- 
ton, driving the enemy steadily before us, then going into 
bivouac for the night on the outskirts of the town. Head- 
quarters were established in the little cemetery, said to be the 
place where John Brown was buried. The horses were hitched 
to some of the melancholy looking tombstones, and Seth made 
up my bed on fence rails laid across two convenient graves, 
which proved a grand arrangement, as it rained heavily during 
the night. With a rubber blanket under us and another over us 
we were completely weather proof, and slept like the babes in 
the woods. The whole detachment returned on the 18th with- 
out eliciting much information. 



198 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

October 26th. The fall campaign opened with the usual 
accompaniment of rainy weather. The general supposition is, 
that we are to march through the Loudon Valley, seizing the 
several gaps in advance, and occupy Pope's old lines along the 
Rapidan and Rappahannock. The Twelfth corps is to remain 
and hold Harpers Ferry, while the cavalry, or some part of it, 
is in advance at Cumberland. Harper's Ferry will remain 
the base of supplies until we reach the ancient Manassas 
railroad, when it is to be used again. So we shall be exactly 
in the same position as before the second Bull Run cam- 
paign. We understand the present advance has been or- 
dered peremptorily by the President, who is disgusted with 
McClellan's torpidity, and is bound to make him take the 
offensive. Report says Lee's army has been greatly reinforced, 
and is in excellent condition again. The season is so late it is 
not likely we shall accomplish much. Mais, nous verrons! 
Troops have been crossing the pontoon bridge all day long, and 
to-morrow we expect the Second corps to cross. 

October 29th. The corps did not commence crossing until 
to-day. At 4 p. m. our division struck tents, and at five o'clock 
were en route. We crossed the Potomac with rather heavy 
hearts, and advanced directly up the valley, skirting along the 
mountain's base ; marched six miles, and then halted, and 
bivouacked on the north side of Key's Pass. As soon as the 
troops were placed in position, I rode back to Harper's Ferry 
with General Meagher and an escort, to get my teeth put in 
order by a dentist, a friend of Captain La Valley, the acting 
brigade commissary. My teeth lately have been very trouble- 
some, and as we are constantly exposed I thought the present 
chance too good to be overlooked. I put up with La Valley, 
who is a bon vivant as well as a good commissary, and enjoyed 
a pleasant evening with a crowd of friends. 

October 30th. The dentist worked all day long, and put 
my teeth in good condition, at least so he says, but from the 
easy manner in which he let me off, I am a little skeptical as 
to the permanency of his work. In the evening I dined 
with McKim and Talcott, the New York Herald reporter, 
at the division hospital. We had a good dinner and jolly 
conversation. Talcott, who is a genius in his way, and a 
friend of the whole division, is a capital talker and told some 
very funny yarns. The doctor confessed to having received 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 199 

a leave of absence and is going home immediately. He says 
he may come back again, but that is very unlikely, and we shall 
probably never see him again in the army. He is one of the 
best fellows in the service, and will be greatly missed. Towards 
evening I bid them all good bye, and rejoined my command, in 
company with several other officers. 

October 31st. Remained at Key's Pass all day, but received 
orders to march to-morrow morning. Weather favorable for 
campaigning. We hear to-night that a great event is about to 
happen to the army of the Potomac. General McClellan has 
been, or is to be, relieved and Burnside placed in comamnd. I 
met McClellan with an escort, on my return to the brigade, 
and wondered where he was going. The general has many 
friends in the army, who will be sorry to part with him, and 
even those of us who have no great faith in his abilities, are 
attached to him through long association, and will feel the 
change, as another link broken in the chain of friendship, 
which, in the army, is highly developed. I doubt if a single 
man in this army would have suggested Burnside as his suc- 
cessor. Burnside's name is not associated with any great 
deeds, and we can hardly believe he is to become commander- 
in-chief. He is a superb looking officer, but too much in love 
with himself to amount to much. He is stylish to a degree, 
wears side whiskers, large slouch hat, top boots and is alto- 
gether an ideal cavalier, but without the force of character 
which men look for in a commanding officer. He commanded 
our brigade, so called, at the first battle of Bull Run, without 
winning any distinction. 

November 1st, 1862. 

Fell in, and marched to Snicker's Gap, our brigade in ad- 
vance. We left part of the brigade with two guns in the 
Gap, about half way up the mountain, and posted the 
other half on the summit, which is broad, flat, and covered 
with fine grass, used in times of peace for grazing. There is 
an occasional house, and although very lonely, we found it an 
interesting position. After posting a picket line looking 
towards the Shenandoah, we descended to near the house, 
where brigade headquarters were established. 

November 2d. Early in the morning the pickets reported 
clouds of dust advancing towards the Gap, which at once 
brought out our field glasses, to scan the magnificent valley 



2oo DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

lying at our feet. We saw the clouds of dust, and soon made 
out a column of infantry advancing, and from their forma- 
tion, they evidently expected to find the Gap unoccupied. 
When they came within artillery range, Pettit opened fire with 
his two ten pounder Parrots, and to our astonishment, 
dropped his first shells immediately in front of them. I noted 
the flight of the shells from a position kneeling alongside one 
of the guns, and could easily trace its flight from beginning to 
end. He calculated the distance at about a mile, and we were 
not a little proud of Pettit's wonderful skill in judging dis- 
tances. The rebel column promptly disappeared under cover 
of some friendly woods. At five o'clock much to our disgust, 
we were relieved by the brigade of regulars from Sykes's 
division. I remained on the top of the mountain to point out 
the position of the picket line, and while waiting for the fresh 
troops to come up, dismounted, and lay down on the sweet, 
short grass, green as emerald, and enjoyed a charming little 
reverie entirely alone, without a human being in sight. 

We enjoyed life on the mountain top, and were loath to 
descend, but not being our own masters have to take what is 
set before us. Headquarters are established in a small house 
by the road side, just at the base of the mountain. There are 
two fine young women, who with the entire family sit down 
with us to eat, our mess furnishing the cooks, and the food, 
and the house the appointments. The ladies are rebellious, but 
fond of attention, and so we have a good deal of fun. 

November jtf. Early in the morning the division marched 
through a pretty country to New Upperville, and, as the enemy 
were not in sight, we enjoyed ourselves and had a jolly good 
time. Loudon Valley is a fine farming section, growing good 
grass, and affords the army much subsistence for both man 
and beast. 

November 3th. Still in camp at New Upperville, doing 
absolutely nothing, which seems to indicate a good deal of 
irresolution on the part of somebody. It is generally suspected 
that we have no plan of campaign and are just sloshing around 
waiting for something to turn up. Colonel Zook accepted an 
invitation for himself and staff to dinner at the house of a 
prominent Southern planter to-day, and we presented ourselves 
in full uniform. The house was large and stately, with wide 
halls and lofty ceilings, and the dinner was served in a very 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 201 

noble dining room. The appointments were in keeping with 
the style of the house, and the dinner proved excellent but 
very formal. Broom, who is neither formal, nor dignified, 
soon made himself at home, and at length induced a reason- 
able amount of sociability. The planter was a member of the 
Virginia legislature at the time the secession ordinance was 
passed, and was opposed to it. Finding himself in the minority, 
he retired to his ancestral domain, and has since endeavored 
to preserve a masterly inactivity, a difficult thing to do in these 
times. He gave us many interesting reminiscences of public 
men in Virginia, apparently knowing every man of note in the 
State. 

November 8th. We were ordered to Warrenton to-day to 
take part in the great review to-morrow of all the troops be- 
longing to the Army of the Potomac, in honor of General Mc- 
Clellan, who is to retire in favor of General Burnside. Weather 
getting cold and cheerless. 

November pth. Upon our arrival where most of the army 
is encamped, we went into bivouac and established brigade 
headquarters in a log house close to the village; not very 
comfortable, but still more convenient than tents. Early this 
morning all preparations were made for the great review, and 
about ten o'clock we marched out on the main road, and formed 
in close column in the fields parallel to the road. The road was 
lined with troops for miles, and made a formidable display. 
When McClellan came galloping down the line, followed, as 
is his custom, by a large staff and escort, the troops broke out 
in an immense cheer, which was taken up and carried from one 
end of the line to the other. There was a great deal of enthu- 
siasm, and the soldiers seemed sorry to change commanders. 
Every one feels sad to think we could not pull together to the 
end, but the change is undoubtedly for the best, although no- 
body expects much from Burnside. The number of the army 
here is estimated to-day at one hundred and thirty thousand. 
The parade showed up a wonderfully fine looking body of men 
which, under a capable leader, could do almost anything. 

November 10th. It is a curious thing how frequently the 
same ground is fough over in war times. Here we are to-day 
for the third time in the vicinity of the Bull Run and Rappa- 
hannock river. In fact we ocupy to-day the exact position that 
Pope held last August. There are certain strategic positions 



202 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

in all countries about which all the great battles are fought, as 
for instance the Low Countries in Europe, which have been 
the battlefield in numberless wars for generations. It seems 
the neighborhood of Bull Run is the great strategic position in 
the State of Virginia, and who knows but what we may have 
to fight the last battle here, as well as the first. 

There is nothing to report, the Second, Third and Fifth 
corps are all here around Warrenton, and the Ninth is on the 
Rappahannock. The Eleventh, I understand, is at Thorough- 
fare Gap and Gainsville, which we hope is true, as that is the 
weak spot in our present position. Lee's army is reported at 
Culpeper, freshly recruited and equipped, and again on the de- 
fensive, which is its strong point. 

November 13th. Tents were struck, wagons loaded, and 
the troops fell in about 9 o'clock this morning, marching in a 
southeasterly direction, north of the Rappahannock. Our 
division had the extreme right, glad to be on the march again. 
Only made an average march, and went into bivouac a few 
miles south of Warrenton Junction early in the afternoon. 
Very cold. The men cut down timber and made some mag- 
nificent camp fires, which kept us comfortable throughout the 
night. 

November 16th. Fell in as usual at break of day, but 
broke ranks afterwards and prepared breakfast leisurely, and 
about eight o'clock continued the march now known to be to 
Frederickburg, which we hope to carry by surprise. The 
movement is intended to substitute the Potomac river, Acquia 
creek and the short overland route, to Fredericksburg, as base 
of supplies, in place of the Manassas route, which is more 
hazardous. Made a short march and went into bivouac in the 
open country. 

November 17th. Towards evening came within sight of 
Falmouth and struck a very slight line of cavalry pickets. We 
got together all the mounted officers and orderlies of the bri- 
gade, and formed ourselves as a line of cavalry skirmishers, 
and advanced, with the infantry in rear of us, hustling the 
scattered rebels before us in fine style, advancing close to the 
high hills overlooking the little village below, where we were 
stopped by a shell from a rebel battery, which exploded just 
in front of us. The Fifty-seventh and Sixty-sixth regiments 
were ordered up, and directed to scale the hill, which they did 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 203 

in fine style, although the rebels had the exact range, and 
dropped several shells amongst them. Reaching the crest of 
the hill, the town of Fredericksburg was in full view across 
the river and to the left, the battery that was shelling us could 
be seen down by the river alongside a brick mill. The colonel 
sent for Captain Pettit, who soon came up with his battery, 
and by doubling the teams and getting many men to push, 
quickly ran a couple of guns up the very steep hill. We all 
stood around awaiting the opening fire, while the rebels indus- 
triously blazed away, hoping to drive us off, but they were 
disappointed, Pettit sighted the two guns himself, and the 
first two shells burst directly in front of the rebel guns, driving 
every man away from them. They subsequently tried to man 
the guns again, but were driven back just as before. Finally 
a single man came out with a rope and tried to draw the guns 
off, but in this too they were equally unsuccessful, and finally 
abandoned them altogether. In the meantime the infantry 
marched down, and occupied Falmouth at the base of the hills 
along the river bank. The river here flows over a rocky bed, 
and while unnavigable, is not fordable near the town. A little 
way up there is a dam of eight or ten feet fall perhaps, and 
below that the water gradually increased in depth, until in 
front of Fredericksburg, about a mile below, it is navigable 
for large boats. There were three bridges, one opposite Fal- 
mouth, and two in front of Fredericksburg, but all three are 
now destroyed except their blackened piers, which stand as 
melancholy monuments of the devastation of war. 

As the pontoon train ordered to be on hand had not ar- 
rived, we could not get across, and so made preparations for 
an early attack the following morning, but to our surprise were 
directed to establish camps and picket lines. 

November 18th. This morning, by direction of General 
Hancock, Colonel Zook assumed command of Falmouth as 
military governor, and I was appointed post adjutant in addi- 
tion to my duties as Aide-de-Camp. 



CHAPTER XIII 

" Now bind my brows with iron and approach 
The rugged'st hour that time and spite dare bring." — K. H. IV. 

CAMP AT FALMOUTH ; BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG 

November 20, 1862. 

ON taking command of Falmouth, we made a list of the 
inhabitants, showing their age, occupation, sex, etc. 
There is so much illicit communication with the enemy, 
that a strict surveillance is necessary, even over the women, 
whom we have more than once found performing the of- 
fice of spies. Sentinels are posted at every street corner, 
and the patrol goes the rounds every hour both night and 
day. 

The Fifty-seventh is for the time being the provost 
guard, and both officers and men are delighted at their good 
fortune. As most of the best houses were deserted when 
we arrived, the officers found no difficulty in securing good 
quarters. The difference between a good house, even if it 
is empty, and an ordinary shelter tent, late in November, is 
immense, and the officers fully appreciate it. 

Yesterday morning I sallied out to call upon the promi- 
nent people, and accompanied by the officer of the guard, 
made a circuit of the town. The chief residents here are the 

G s, and K s, and an old lady relation of the G s, 

and two very good looking young ladies. The young wo- 
men came to the door and joined in the conversation, much 
to the disgust of the old lady, who did her best to keep them 
in the background. They were anxious about some cows 
and a stable they had, and chattered away for some time. 
Later on I mentioned them to Colonel Zook in General Han- 
cock's presence, who at once proposed that they should call 
and see the young women themselves ; accordingly in the 
afternoon the general rode over, wearing his yellow sash, 
and together with the colonel, followed by an orderly, called 
at their house. They returned sooner than expected, and so 
I asked the colonel if my description of the young women 

204 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 205 

was not satisfactory. He said they did not see them, the 
old lady refusing to call them into the parlor. Not finding 
the ancient party particularly interesting, they soon came 
away, both disappointed, which amused me a good deal. 

G- , who owns the mill and storehouse, which are 

filled with flour, tobacco, etc., by some unique arrangement 
seems to hold on to his property, notwithstanding the place 
has frequently changed hands. He is an outspoken rebel, in 
the prime of manhood, the only Virginia I have met of his 
class not in the rebel army, but his wife claims to be a New 
Yorker, and so when the Stars and Stripes float over the 

town, Mrs. G comes to the front ; when it is supplanted 

by the rebel flag, G steps out, and thus they manage to 

retain their goods, amidst the storm of war which ravages 
all around them. 

In a large brick house by the river side, live a family of 

K s, F. F. Vs ! Here, too, are two young ladies who 

acted friendly, and were anxious to establish relations with 
the commanding officer and staff. 

As for the rest of the inhabitants, they are what are 
called poor whites, and are very poor indeed, both mentally 
and physically, mostly women and children with a few 
decrepit old men. 

Headquarters are in a vacant house on the southeastern 
corner of the principal street, opposite the lonely looking 
little brick church. We use the front room for an office, 
while the rear room does duty as a dining room, and sleep- 
ing quarters for the staff. The colonel, as becomes the 
dignity of the commandant, sleeps alone up stairs. The 
house is empty, save for the office desks and folding chairs, 
but when the various colored blankets are spread on the 
floor, around the room at night, ready for use, it looks quite 
luxurious. 

November 21st. Quartermaster Broom of the Fifty-sev- 
enth is now an acting aide-de-amp, whose special duty is to 
look after the mess, he having peculiar talents in this line, and 
is unequaled in providing the larder. We are now living on 
roast beef, pudding, pies, etc., and expect soon to resume 
our original sleekness, which continued campaigning has 
sadly impaired. The office is the general rendezvous, and here 
we meet together and enjoy each other's society. Chap- 



2 o6 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

lain Dwight, of the Sixty-sixth New York, a most accom- 
plished and agreeable gentleman, is one of our constant 

callers, and a most interesting companion. G calls, too, 

and airs his rebellious views, and makes a good deal of fun 
for us. One of our regimental commanders, an accomplished 
colonel, I am sorry to say, is under arrest for misbehavior 
before the enemy, on the occasion of our taking Falmouth. 
He is an excellent officer in camp, but like many another, 
when fighting is in order, he usually finds himself out of 
order, which is of course, most unlucky. His regiment is 
now commanded by the lieutenant-colonel, a first-class officer, 
peculiar, but full of courage, and always ready for a fight. 

The enemy occupy the range of hills opposite, and are 
working night and day to make them impregnable. Ap- 
parently there are a series of hills running parallel to the 
river, or nearly so, in rear of each other, and the camps of 
Lee's army are wholly sheltered in the intervening valleys. 
No better position for defense could be found, and Lee must 
thank his stars Burnside did not establish himself on that 
side when he had a chance to do so almost unopposed. It is 
strange how constantly we fall short in our endeavors at 
the very moment when we might succeed. Something is 
missing ; this time, it was the pontoon train that failed us 
just at the critical point in the campaign. 

December ist,i862. 

Several new regiments have been assigned to us, among 
them the Twenty-seventh Connecticut Volunteers, a very large, 
nine-month regiment excellent material, but from the colonel 
down wholly inexperienced. The Second Delaware, a very 
well-drilled regiment, is a valuable addition. The Twenty- 
seventh is commanded by Colonel Bostwick, and the Second 
Delaware by Colonel Bailey. As the Twenty-seventh is 
entirely without drill officers, the colonel issued an order 
appointing me instructer of infantry tactics of the brigade, 
and I am now daily drilling the officers and sergeants. I 
find my staff duties have made me decidedly rusty on tactics, 
and so have to read up again. 

December 6th. Last evening G was at our headquar- 
ters, and the conversation turning on the relative value of 
the greenback and confederate money, G loudly as- 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 207 

sorted that confederate money was just as good as federal 
money, and stuck to it against the arguments of Broom, La 
Valley, and others. The next day, accompanied by an or- 
derly I rode over to his store house, and bargained for a ten 
pound bag of Lone Jack smoking tobacco, which he said 
was worth ten dollars. I handed him out a ten dollar con- 
federate bill, which he pocketed without a word, and the 
orderly rode home with the tobacco. I told the colonel 

when I returned how G had practiced what he 

preached, which greatly amused him. The joke is that one 
can buy confederate money for about fifty for one and it is 
doubtful if it is worth as much as that even. An order was 
issued to-day prohibiting communication between the pick- 
ets, our men have communicated with the enemy by means 
of little boats, rigged to sail across alone and in this way 
have swapped coffee for tobacco, newspapers, etc., and per- 
haps other things, and so we have had to put a stop to it. 

That great desideratum in campaigning, viz. soft bread, 
is now happily furnished in abundance, the Fifty-seventh 
having established ovens large enough to bake for a brigade. 

December 8th. We hear to-day that Burnside has made 
up his mind to cross the river, and attack the rebel works 
in front. It hardly seems possible, as they are now fortified 
in the most approved manner, and garrisoned by the best 
army the Confederacy has in the field. At this season of the 
year, in this country, where the roads become bottomless 
pits on the first rain storm, it is impossible to campaign 
anyway, and whoever undertakes it is sure to be beaten ; 
therefore we hope the rumor may prove untrue. 

December gth. It now seems likely we shall have to give 
up these snug quarters, and begin another campaign. Pre- 
parations are making for a move of some sort, and report 
still says for an atack in front of Fredericksburg; as there is 
no particular reason why we should not cross to the right or 
left of the enemy's strong position, we shall most likely 
make an attempt on either one or both flanks. 

The town lies in a plain, about eight hundred yards in 
front of the heights, which command the entire place, and 
they again are commanded by a second and third range of 
hills, all thoroughly fortified, so on the whole, the position 
may be considered impregnable. Our picket line extends 



208 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

from just above Falmouth, to a place called Massaponnox 
Ford, five miles below. 

December 10, 1862. 
All doubts as to a movement were set at rest by the re- 
ceipt this morning, of orders to prepare three days' cooked 
rations, and issue ninety rounds of ammunition. The troops 
are notified to leave their camp equipage and extra clothing 
behind, and hold themselves in readiness to move at a 
moment's notice. As soon as the instructions were given to 
the regimental commanders, Colonel Zook and I rode over 
to Hancock's headquarters to find out more about the mat- 
ter. Mitchell tells us Burnside has definitely settled upon 
the plan of a general attack in front, and that arrangements 
are going on to enable the troops to cross at daybreak to- 
morrow morning. Two pontoon bridges are to be thrown 
across the river a little north of the Lacy house, and two 
more below the railroad bridge, and we are to furnish the 
infantry to protect the engineers at the two upper bridges ; 
the colonel selected the Fifty-seventh under Chapman, and 
Sixty-sixth, Lieutenant-Colonel Bull, and all preparations 
were made for carrying out the instructions we received ; 
spent the rest of the evening chatting together of the task 
before us, but in view of our early movement in the morning, 
soon turned in and went to sleep. At two o'clock the morn- 
ing of the nth, we fell in, marched on the river road to the 
Lacy house, in the rear of which we halted, stacked arms, 
and lay down. The reserve artillery of the army occupied 
most of the immense level field, and every available point 
commanding the town and batteries on the enemy's side 
was occupied by our big siege pieces, together with scores 
of field guns ; the river bank was lined with skirmishers, and 
everywhere troops were massed in solid columns, awaiting 
events. There was a heavy fog over the river, which seemed 
at first to be greatly in our favor, but as soon as the men be- 
gan to lay the bridge and ply their axes and hammers, the 
enemy opened a sharp musketry fire, aiming in the direction 
of the sound. Our men returned the fire, but with little 
effect, as they could see nothing, and simply fired at random. 
In less than two hours we lost eight officers killed, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Bull, commanding the Sixth-sixth, being among the 
number, and over sixty officers and men wounded, including 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 209 

Lieutenant-Colonel Chapman of the Fifty-seventh. In conse- 
quence of these severe losses, the engineers were called off, 
and operations suspended till the fog cleared. In the 
mean time nearly one hundred guns opened fire simultane- 
ously upon the town, commencing about seven o'clock, to 
which the enemy made no reply. It was a magnificent sight 
to see the bombardment of the sleepy old town, and we ex- 
pected to see it quickly reduced to ashes, but the effect was 
ridiculously out of proportion to the noise and weight of 
metal thrown into the place, and we were all greatly disap- 
pointed. The engineers went to work as soon as the fog 
lifted, when the enemy were seen in force behind rifle pits, 
running along the river bank ; our men not being able to dis- 
lodge them, and the artillery fire having no effect a detachment 
from Howard's brigade paddled across the river in some of 
the pontoon boats, landed, and soon cleared the banks, hold- 
ing their position until the bridge was completed, which 
did not take very long ; then a brigade from the Second div- 
ision marched rapidly across, with orders to occupy the 
town. As the brigade advanced on the other side, to the 
surprise of everybody, they were attacked by a force of in- 
fantry which must have remained hidden away throughout the 
whole bombardment. The attack was so desperate that in 
less than ten minutes, over a hundred of our men were killed 
and many more wounded, but the column pushed on, joined 
by the remainder of the division to which they belonged, 
and soon drove the rebels out of the place. 

At the lower bridges Franklin met with no opposition, 
and crossed without difficulty, so that by night time a very 
large force had established itself under the very noses of the 
rebel army. Broom and I rode over before dark to see the 
effect of the bombardment, and were immensely surprised at 
the little damage done by so many guns, some of them at 
cannister range only. 

December 12th. We lay on the Phillips farm until about 
8 a. m., then crossed over the pontoon bridge at the Lacy 
house and marched to the lower part of the town, directly 
opposite the old ferry dock, our left resting on the steam- 
boat wharf; here we stacked arms, and the men keeping 
reasonably near to their pieces, were allowed to move about 
as they pleased. Brigade headquarters were established on 



2io DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

the piazza of an old ramshackle house, at the corner of a 
deep cut, leading up to the town, and here we lay and 
watched the bursting of the rebel shells, which occasionally 
exploded over our heads, and the moving columns of the 
army as they kept continuously crossing over; we all felt 
shaky about coming events and there was very little hilar- 
ity. Our new regiment, the Twenty-seventh Connecticut, 
had its equanimity sadly disturbed by a shell bursting in its 
ranks killing several of its men, which almost paralyzed 
them. The strangest thing is that the enemy does not shell 
the place thoroughly, now that it is packed full of men ; we 
expected them to do so every minute, but were luckily dis- 
appointed. 

The arrangement of troops to-night is as follows: Frank- 
lin on the left, our corps next on the right, then the Ninth 
and Sixth, and on the extreme right the First. It became 
foggy again about sunset, when we posted a very heavy 
picket line entirely around the town, just on the outskirts, 
with strong reserves, and made every preparation for a 
night attack. All the troops across lay in the streets, getting 
such rest as they could. We spent the night on the piazza 
of the old house, and were anything but comfortable. 

The heights, in rear of the town, are bristling with guns 
and rifle pits, and entrenchments cover the entire face of the 
whole range. Why we should be compelled to charge at the 
very strongest point in the enemy's position is an enigma 
that no one can solve ; one thing alone is certain, that by to- 
morrow at this time many of our old comrades will have 
fought their last fight, whatever may be the result. 

Early this morning, the Thirteenth, our division, marched 
up the cut and filed off into the principal street to the right. 
Here we stacked arms and the men were dismissed. They 
immediately made a dash for the houses, and ransacked 
them from cellar to garret. Very soon the streets were filled 
with a motley crowd of men, some of them dressed in wo- 
men's clothes, others with tall silk hats, curiously conspicu- 
ous where nothing but caps are worn ; many brought out 
sofas, chairs, etc., which were planted in the middle of the 
street, and the men proceeded to take their ease. Some car- 
ried pictures'; one man had a fine stuffed alligator, and most 
of them had something. It was curious to observe these 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 211 

men upon the eve of a tremendous battle rid themselves of 
all anxiety by plunging into this boistrous sport. No at- 
tempt was made by the offieers to interfere, and thus their 
minds were distracted, until summoned to fall in to storm 
the heights. 

About 12 o'clock French's division began filing out to- 
ward the rear of the town, to the assault which they were to 
lead. Our division formed next in order, massed on the side 
streets, about the railroad, waiting for French to advance. 

About two o'clock French succeeded in deploying his 
lines, and our column immediately debouched on the plain in 
his rear, by way of the railroad depot. As the head of the 
column appeared in the open, the rebel batteries opened fire 
and pandemonium at once broke loose. The whizzing, 
bursting shells made one's hair stand on end ; our guns 
added to the confusion as they fired over our heads, and the 
two flights of shot and shell in opposite directions, made a 
noise above the roar of Niagara. We marched rapidly for- 
ward, passing a huge pile of bricks, which the round shot 
was scattering in every direction, then came a mill race, and 
on the other side of it a high board fence ; clearing these 
obstacles in the face of a terrible fire, with considerable loss 
and obliquing somewhat to the right at first, then in full 
line of battle, we marched directly forward, in front of 
Marye's house the strongest point of the enemys' works. 
It seemed a terrible long distance, as with bated breath and 
heads bowed down, we hurried forward, the rebel guns 
plowing great furrows in our ranks at every step ; all we 
could do was to close up the gaps and press forward. When 
within some three hundred yards of the rebel works, the 
men burst into a cheer and charged for the heights. Im- 
mediately the hill in front was hid from view by a continu- 
ous sheet of flame from base to summit. The rebel infantry 
poured in a murderous fire while their guns from every avail- 
able point fired shot and shell and cannister. The losses 
were so tremendous that before we knew it our momentum 
was gone, and the charge a failure. Within one hundred 
yards of the base of the hill we dropped down, and then flat 
on our bellies, opened fire while line after line of fresh 
troops, like ocean waves, followed each other in rapid suc- 
cession, but none of them succeeded in reaching the enemy's 



212 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

works. A few passed over our line, but the bulk of them 
dropped down before they reached us. Looking over the 
field in rear, from where I lay, the plain seemed swarming 
with men, but it was easy to see that the attack was a fail- 
ure, and that nothing that could henceforth be done would 
amount to anything. Our losses were heavy, while those 
of the enemy, sheltered behind superb works, were almost 
nothing, and no effort of ours short of carrying the works 
at the point of the bayonet could possibly avail anything. This 
being out of the question, the point was how we were to get 
away from our exposed position. Luckily for us the moving 
lines in rear attracted the most attention, drawing the bulk of 
the enemy's fire, and it was impossible not to watch the ad- 
vance of these troops and forget one's own predicament. I 
wondered while I lay there how it all came about that these 
thousands of men in broad daylight were trying their best 
to kill each other. Just then there was no romance, no 
glorious pomp, nothing but disgust for the genius who 
planned so frightful a slaughter. Towards evening the at- 
tempt came to a halt, the firing ceased, and many of the 
troops withdrew. By this time the plain was covered with 
thousands of dead and wounded men, besides scores of lines 
of troops, lying on their bellies, utterly useless, but exposed 
to more or less continuous fire. We fully expected the 
enemy to leave his works and charge us where we lay, but 
very strangely they not only did not do this, but stopped 
their artillery fire, and by dusk it became almost quiet. 
Many of the columns were withdrawn, and the wounded 
were quickly gathered up. Zook was very wretched, quite 
sick and thoroughly disgusted. Broom participated in his 
first fight and thought he had had enough for a life time. 
Brooke was as usual up in front on the right looking after 
his men, one of the most unconcerned men in the crowd. 
During the evening all of our brigade save the Fifty-second 
was withdrawn into the town, and Colonel Zook took up 
his quarters in a house near the upper pontoon bridge, 
where we spent the night. At daylight next morning, 
(Saturday) all were on the alert, but received no orders, 
and the enemy made no attack ; throughout the day and 
another night the situation remained unchanged. The field 
was covered with dead, still unburied, and many of our men 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 213 

in front, still lying on their bellies, keeping up a scattering 
fire. Early Monday evening the commanding general con- 
cluded to withdraw, and the troops were ordered to recross 
the river. During the day the ambulances were kept busy 
transfering the wounded from the town to Stafford and as 
soon as it became dark, the artillery parked in the streets, 
crossed over, followed immediately afterwards by the in- 
fantry. Long, dark lines filled every street, converging 
near the bridges, and with rapid strides the men stepped 
briskly out. Luckily for us, the night was pitch dark, the 
wind howling dismally through the streets, swinging the 
doors and shutters of the deserted houses upon their creak- 
ing hinges in a most depressing manner; but it prevented 
the enemy from observing our movements, and so was es- 
pecially welcome. Out in front, just under the guns of 
Marye's hill, lay our Fifty-second regiment Colonel Frank 
in command, keeping up a bold front, occasionally exchang- 
ing shots with the rebs. Under cover of this line, all the 
troops in rear had been withdrawn, and they were now 
alone upon the field. By midnight most of the troops had 
crossed over and Zook with a crowd of officers sat on horse- 
back near the head of the bridge, keeping a watchful eye in 
rear as well as on the bridge. Our brigade brought up the 
rear, and was just about to cross when Mitchell came along 
and directed that an attempt be made to withdraw the 
Fifty-second from the front. It seemed altogether likely the 
enemy would discover our movements sooner or later and 
whenever they did so the regiment was doomed to capture. 
The colonel directed me to undertake the task of withdraw- 
ing the regiment; that meant to ride alone through a 
deserted town, to scramble over a field of battle covered 
with hundreds of dead men and strewn with muskets and 
encumbrances, in a night so dark that nothing could be 
seen, was surely an unpleasant duty, but saying good bye. 
Without even an orderly I turned and galloped through the 
street towards the railroad track. Most of the houses, al- 
though completely deserted, were still lighted by candles 
left by our men, and all the doors stood open, creaking 
and groaning in the midnight darkness. I soon reached the 
railroad, and following it, went into the depot, from near 
which we originally made our exit to the attack. Here I 



2i 4 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

dismounted, groped about for several minutes for some- 
thing to fasten my horse to, stumbling over a big pile of 
dead men, and at last found the fastening of a window 
shutter, the very thing I wanted. Billy did not like the 
idea of being left alone in so lonesome a spot, and whinnied 
and stamped provokingly; groping my way by the big 
doors, I passed out towards the battlefield ; near a small 
house close to the brick kiln, where a dog rushed out bark- 
ing furiously, I stopped for a moment till all was still, then 
hurried along again, groping my way over the prostrate 
forms of dead men, sometimes on a run, at others, creeping 
and picking my way as best I could, amongst the number- 
less muskets with fixed bayonets, etc., that covered the 
ground. Many times I was obliged to lie flat down and 
peer ahead, to get my bearings, at others to avoid the mus- 
ket balls, as every little while the rebel lines opened fire, 
and in fact a scattering fusilade was kept up all the 
time. After many efforts, changing direction first to the 
right, then to the left, I stumbled on the line of living 
men lying flat down, hardly distinguishable from the dead 
without stooping, and was never so delighted in my life be- 
fore. The men were equally glad to see me, or more ac- 
curately, hear my voice, for the darkness was so intense 
that no man's face could be seen ; the men were full of anx- 
iety, fearing we might abandon them, and quickly passed 
the news of my arrival along the line. I moved cautiously 
towards the center, where no man spoke above a whisper, 
and soon ran into Colonel Frank, who hugged me, squeezed 
my hand, and was beside himself for joy. He presented his 
canteen, familiarly known to all his friends, and after tak- 
ing a good drink, we arranged the plan of withdrawal, 
which was to muffle canteen cups and dishes with the 
blankets, face to the left, and march straight for the railway 
cut, which we knew was not far distant. Everything was 
to be done quietly, the men following their file leaders with- 
out word of command. These arrangements being con- 
cluded, the officers and men were notified, and in a few 
minutes all was ready for the movement. Two or three 
shots were fired in different parts of the line, to let the 
rebels know we were still there then quickly the line stood 
up faced to the left, and at a tremenduous speed, stepped 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 215 

out and reached the cut without attracting the enemy's at- 
tention. Once on the railroad, we soon reached the depot, 
where I found my horse. I was quickly on his back, and at the 
head of the column moved through the silent streets to the 
bridge, where the engineers were eagerly awaiting our arrival. 
Without loss of time, the regiment moved across. As the 
last man stepped on board the bridge, I bade the engineer 
officer in charge good bye, and followed the regiment, the 
bridge itself disappearing like magic, and before I reached 
the Stafford side half of it was taken up and all access to 
the other side barred. I put spurs to my horse, and rode 
directly to headquarters, where all but Green, my man, were 
fast asleep. He took my horse, and in a few moments I 
too was "in the shadow of the earth, — sleep, nature's soft 
nurse, the mantle that covers thought, the food that appeases 
hunger; the balance and weight that equal the shepherd with 
the King, and the simple with the wise." 



CHAPTER XIV 

" The combat deepens, On, ye brave 
Who rush to glory, or the grave." 

CAMP AT FALMOUTH, THE CHANCELLORSVILLE CAMPAIGN, AND 
MARCH TO GETTYSBURG 

SEVERAL days were allowed to elapse before anything 
more than routine guard and picket duty was ordered, 
as the officers surviving the battle were fully occupied 
in making out their reports and accounting for their lost men 
and material. 

At brigade headquarters we were equally full of business, 
and Swartz, our head clerk, and his assistants were kept 
busy till late into the night every day. 

I shall only put down here the official report of Colonel 
Zook. The losses were heavy, but nothing like what was 
at first reported. They were all of veterans, and amongst 
them many of our very best officers. Lieutenant-Colonel Bull 
of the Sixty-sixth was killed while with the engineers on the 
i ith, at the same time Lieutenant-Colonel Chapman was 
wounded. He was a rough, energetic officer, always ready 
for a fight, and to be found in the foremost ranks, and was 
highly esteemed at our headquarters, and will be a notable 
loss to a good regiment. Major Throop, who took the Fifty- 
seventh into action, was seriously wounded, and is not ex- 
pected to recover. My friend, a very agreeable officer of 
Spanish descent, Lieutenant Pou, was killed at the very front 
and his body not recovered. He was an intelligent, well edu- 
cated young man and a good officer. The adjutant of the 
Fifty-second New York was killed. He was on the fence 
climbing over with me, when it was struck by a round shot 
and smashed all to pieces. He fell and never spoke. I 
was reported killed, too, because some one saw me sprawling 
down with the others, but I was only astonished and 
jarred a little, and had no trouble in keeping on with my 
two regiments. Of the wounded, they were very numerous, 
Alcoke of the Fifty-seventh, who lost an arm, being amongst 

216 




Major N. Garrow Throop, 

5 7th N. Y. Infantry. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 217 

them. The regiment, after Throop was wounded, was in com- 
mand of Captain Britt, who makes the official report of the 
battle for that regiment. Colonel Zook, always very sparing 
of praise, says in his official report : "Seeing General French's 
last regiment filing out past the railroad depot, I directed the 
Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers and Twenty-seventh Con- 
necticut Volunteers to pass out by the same route. The Sixty- 
sixth and Fifty-seventh New York, conducted by Lieutenant 
C. H. H. Broom, aide-de-camp, moved out through the next 
street to the eastward, and the Second Delaware and Fifty- 
second New York, conducted by Lieutenant J. M. Favill, aide- 
de-camp, marched by the street next that taken by Lieutenant 
Broom. All these commands filed to the right at the outskirts 
of the town and formed line of battle, with the Fifty-third 
Pennsylvania Volunteers resting on Hanover street and the 
Fifty-second on the railroad. The brigade then advanced 
rapidly over the crest of the hill nearest the enemy's line under 
a very heavy fire of artillery from the heights, and musketry 
from a stone wall, sunken road, and numerous rifle pits, 
charging over the division of its former commander, General 
French, and taking a position that was not passed by any 
other line during the day, though some of Kimball's men 
reached it. The regiments of the brigade fought in line, and 
were commanded as follows: The Fifty-third Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, Colonel John R. Brooke, Twenty-seventh Con- 
necticut Volunteers, Colonel Richard A. Bostwick, Sixty-sixth 
New York, Captain Julius Wehle, killed, Fifty-seventh New 
York, Major N. G. Throop, wounded, Second Delaware, Col- 
onel W. P. Bailey, slightly wounded, and Fifty-second New 
York. Colonel Paul Frank. To my staff I am under great 
obligations for valuable assistance, especially to Lieutenants 
Favill and Broom, for the handsome manner in which they 
aided in taking the brigade into action. The loss of the bri- 
gade was in the action of the thirteenth, seven commisioned 
officers killed and thirty-one wounded, fifty-two enlisted men 
killed and three hundred and ninety-five wounded and forty- 
two missing. Total five hundred and twenty-seven." 

General Sumner reviewed the brigade a week after the 
action and on finding the Sixty-sixth commanded by a second- 
lieutenant, asked the reason of it, and was told every superior 
officer was either killed or wounded, and that he was now the 



2i8 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

ranking officer. The general seemed lost in astonishment at 
first, and then said to the lieutenant : "If I had found my- 
self when a second lieutenant in command of so fine a regi- 
ment, I should have considered my fortune made." 

A very serious problem is the filling up of the decimated 
regiments. They are now not much more than companies and 
by the requirement of the War Department, a complete stop 
is put to promotion and mustering. The aim of the Govern- 
ment would seem to be to encourage officers to keep their 
commands out of dangerous places, for their chances of promo- 
tion are lessened in exact proportion as they lose their men 
by fighting. It is all wrong, and some intelligent system of 
filling up regiments should be adopted. We have just had a 
new regiment assigned to us, one thousand strong, and not a 
single officer in it familiar with his duties. The material is 
of the best, and the officers are gentlemen, but not military 
men, and every one of them has been ordered to attend my 
drills for officers, and so I am become instructor of infantry 
tactics to quite a respectable school. We drill every morning, 
and the officers, being anxious to learn get along famously. 

The commands are being reorganized to a considerable 
extent, a new brigade is forming for Colonel John R. Brooke, 
who, however, has not received any additional rank. It takes 
away from us the colonel's own regiment, the Fifty-third Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers, the Second Delaware, Colonel Bailey, and 
Twenty-seventh Connecticut Volunteers. Colonel Bostwick 
gets the Sixty-fourth New York and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania 
Volunteers from elsewhere, making an excellent command, and 
will be known as the Fourth brigade. Our brigade, the old 
Third, has the original Fifty-second, Fifty-seventh and Sixty- 
sixth New York and the new One Hundred and Fortieth Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers. A few days after the organization of the 
Fourth brigade, by direction of General Hancock, our brigade 
was relieved by it, and ordered to the rear into winter quart- 
ers. On Sunday morning last we marched out very regret- 
fully over the telegraph road, a distance of perhaps a mile and 
a half turned off to the left and some distance to the north 
and east of the John Washington house (General Hancock's 
headquarters.) Here we selected a position in line with the 
remainder of the division, and laid out a regular camp. Heavy 
details were made for chopping down trees, and the men 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 219 

built a series of little log huts on either side of their company 
streets, affording not only protection from the weather, but a 
great deal of solid comfort. The roofs were made of the men's 
shelter tents, chimney and fire place of mud and wood, and 
ultimately doors and floors of cracker boxes. As we had 
abundance of firewood, the men enjoyed their little log houses 
immensely, four in each hut, and were soon reconciled to 
the change from the town. Our headquarters were built 
after the men had completed their own huts. There were 
four good split log foundations about three feet high, upon 
each of which a wall tent was set up, securely fastened 
to firmly fixed high rails on either side resting on posts 
with crotches well let into the ground. The chinks were 
filled with mud. Very good fireplaces also built of mud and 
sticks, and eventually regular little doors. When the bunks 
were put up, each holding two men, our swords and sashes 
hung on the sides, and a cheerful blaze in the little fireplace, 
there was nothing left to be desired in the way of solid com- 
fort. Colonel Zook lived alone, Broom and I, Captains Brady 
and Rose ; and Leffingwell, the quartermaster, by himself. 
There was also a similar arrangement for an office in which 
the two clerks lived. We had scarcely got into our new quart- 
ers, when General Hancock went home on a leave of absence 
and Zook, as the senior officer in the division, took command. 
Colonel Frank nominally assumed command of the brigade, but 
I really ran it, the colonel preferring to remain at his own 
headquarters, and coming over once a day to sign whatever 
documents we had ready for him. One of the curiosities of the 
late campaign is the ruffled state of affairs amongst the great 
moguls, the superior generals. On the 25th of January the 
commander of the army issued an order dismissing General 
Hooker from the service for insubordination, subject to the 
approval of the President, of course, and General Franklin 
from the command of his corps. Two days afterwards in 
General Order No. 20, War Department, Adjutant General's 
office, dated January 25, 1863, the President of the United 
States directed, 

1st. That Major General A. E. Burnside, at his own re- 
quest, be relieved from the command of the army of the 
Potomac. 



DIARY ' >!• A VTOUNG ( >FFI< i.i' 

--'I l ha1 ■ ii joi I .' ii' i al I*.. V ' lumnei ai hi i ow n re 
qui i , b< i ■ lieved from dul in the ai m oi the I 'otomai 

'"I i li.ii Majoi « ri ii- ral W B Franklin be relieved 
from dul ■■ in the arm ol the Potoma< 

.|ili l li.ii IVfajoi I Ii in ral I lookei bi a igw 'I to the i om 
ih.iikI oj i he .11 in , --I the I 'otomai 

Ami so the officer, dismissed by Burnside, finds himseli 
in command, and ouj late commander, lei us hope, disappeai i 
i"i good i rom ai I ive si i v'u e ' reni ral ! lumnei retires foi 
old age and its infii mati( Hi is a good man, an e i elient 
soldiei and good corps commander, and we shall miss him; 
li«- has prai ti< ally brought us up from i ivil life to well trained, 
veteran soldiei s, and is vei j proud oj hi woi I [n taking 
leave ol us, he was mosl pathetii and complimentary, and I 
.mi hi e hi will take with him the i espi cl oi evei ■ man in 
the old division ai least. All the changi are no doubl foi 
the good "i the service, and as we have almosl .ill the work 
still before us, thai is the impoi tanl thing, 

Since the battle oi Frederickburg, leave oi absence for 
the officei . and furloughs foj the men, have been liberally 
granted Almosl hall the surviving officers have been allowed 
leave, so thai ii became contagious and I found myseli making 
application foi a fifteen days' leave, which was the maximum 
allowed, it was readily granted, and foi the firsl time since 
t86i, l found myseli in New VTorl I ity again, amongsl my 
friends, untrammeled by autocratii rules Whal .i luxurj ii 
was ! I left < amp on Febi uai i 2-d and wa obligi d to be 
I.... I i here on the 1 7th, so l had no time i<>i he itam ■ and 
plunged directly into a round oi gaieties I called imme- 
diately upon II ai the hotel on Fifth avenue, and found 
1 1 1 v status unimpaired, although uo correspondence had passed 
between us VVi visited the Russian warships then in i">ii, 
and withoul anj interruption, kepi busy sighl seeing, going to 
theatei s, opera , et< , eti 1 he time seemi d abominabl 1 shoi 1 
.iikI when the 1 vi ning oi the [6th arrived, and l had to tal e 
my leave foi an unknown period and unknown vicissitudes, I 
was v<i. desolate, bul ii was neeessarj to brace up, so 1 kepi 
Mh faith and ti 10k my train, and 1 ushed bai 1 to rm hi »me 
and duties witli the grand old .nun in ili<- field, carrying along 
.1 brand new uniform, new overcoat, boots, etc., and a very 
empty pockel book I landed on the afternoon oi the 17111 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 221 

in par of the hills, Jul 111 li'-nl .,1 F 1 1 tdei i- I :sbui y , /vh<-r»- 

the train stopped, and thi stor< veri .>n landed Stepping 
on the ground I looked aboul me, hardly recognizing the 
country. All the trees foi miles had been cul down foi the 
use oi the army, and il looked like a wiidi mess oi stumps and 
mud. My man Green was on hand with the gray, and to 
gether we rode ovei the desolate country. It was cold and 
1 heei less and I fell no enthusiasm in rel in uing 

February iHih. When my man mi -1 me yesterday with 
my gray, a hoi 1 I had always considered unequaled in ap 
pearance, both horse and man looked shabby, and as 1 looked 
them over, and the great numbei oi muddy soldiers 1 rerj 
where about, I am afraid I wished mysell bad again in New 
York. Why 1 should see through such jaundiced 1 • 1 
scarcely know, for the army has been my home and delighl 
for the past two years. I think I shall nol apply foj any more 

oi abi en< e. 1 noti< ed yt stei da / whal an immense ■>• 
cumulation of stor< had been collected on the sheltered 
ground, where the trains itop. The spol is admirabl) adapted 
to the purpose, entirely out oi sight, although so close to the 
river the abrupl hills afford the mosl complete protection 
Ther< are no visible roads now. The trains jusl cul across 
the country to the various camps the shortesi vay, resulting 
in the whole district becoming ■■> quagmire One musi see 
this muddy country in vinter to know how bad il really is 

Colonel Zook us going to leave us in the morning foi a 
twenty days' leav<- : and Prank is to remain in command oi 
the brigade, keepin own regimental quarters, hoy/ever, 

and I am to run the brigade foi him, 1 hope Colonel Zoofc 
will return on time. J' makes much difference when he 
is absent; we are alwa . bu sy when he 1 . in command 

La Valley of the Flit) eventh, who formany months 

- ■ una* ' ountably di >app< 
and has been dropped from the muster rolls. 1 his 
surprise to us. A French Canadian, well educated, unusually 
bright, served in the regulai army, and i toldier 

and b< panion we had al va - i r on lidei ed him the 

of honor, and would ha ted him with all we had Lit • 

tenant C, B, ( an of atl 

been promoted to . ' t one tin* 

the b< ent, and perhaps so nc 



222 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

tain L. L. Rose, A. C. Subsistence, has been assigned to 
the brigade permanently. He is a peculiar genius of first rate 
ability, and possessed of more than the usual amount of com- 
mon sense, but has many weak points. He is about fifty years 
of age, a great gambler and I think an experienced one ; is a 
lover of poetry, and can recite from memory from his favorite 
author, Burns, by the hour, and takes great pleasure in enter- 
taining us. He keeps good horses, is a most accommodating 
and excellent commissary, and genial companion. Our quar- 
termaster, Leffingwell, we see little of. He is a typical 
Yankee, unsociable and uninteresting, but a good quartermas- 
ter and seldom at headquarters, living almost wholly with his 
train. The assistant inspector general, Captain James D. 
Brady of the Stxty-third, is a brave, accomplished, and very 
bright officer. He is an Irishman, American born, and 
hails from Portsmouth, Va. He has recently been assigned 
to us. 

February 25th. A continual stream of officers and men 
going home and returning from leave. It seems to be a gen- 
eral resting time, when it is understood nothing will be done. 

On the left of our brigade, and extending back to Han- 
cock's headquarters, is an immense open field over a hundred 
acres in extent. It is mostly sand and gravel and therefore 
always in good order. There is space enough to manceuver 
a corps, and here we drill as regiment, brigade, and division, 
and hold our reviews, which, as a rule, occur once in two 
weeks. In the northwestern part of it, near a small house, 
the batteries attached to the division are parked, and they, 
too, use it as a drill ground. Thomas's battery Fourth ar- 
tillery, Lieutenant Fields now commanding, and Pettit's and 
Arnold's, all excellent commands, officered by a spendid lot 
of good fellows, who professionally have few equals in the 
army. The weather is remarkable. Almost like spring, so 
that all kinds of out door games can be played and horse 
races and little expeditions for pleasure are the order of the 
day. 

Colonel Zook returned from leave of absence on March 
12th, and all were delighted to see him. He is confident of 
obtaining his promotion, he says, and intends to get trans- 
ferred to the Western army,if possible, so that he may have an 
independent command. I am to go wherever he goes, which 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 223 

suits me exactly. The day following his return, brigade drills 
were resumed and some splendid field days followed. Hancock 
occasionally drills the division, and on such occasions usually 
does a lot of swearing. Zook is his particular bete noir 
and it is amusing to hear them go for each other. As swear- 
ing is contrary to the regulations, Zook, who cannot easily be 
beaten in that line, always gives as good as he gets without 
fear of consequences, and the officers think it great fun. Han- 
cock is very hot headed ; sometimes goes off at half cock, but 
is a magnificent soldier and a terror to adjutants, having a 
singular penchant for going over everything himself about 
two or three times a week. He usually goes into his adju- 
tant's office about 11 p. m. and asks for the books, papers and 
correspondence, when an immediate tempest invariably oc- 
curs, and the adjutant general is badgered in great style. From 
whatever brigade a paper may come from that is not to his 
mind, he immediately sends for its adjutant, who must get 
out of bed, order his horse, dress himself, and report without 
the least delay to the irate general. Although I pride my- 
self on the methodical way we do things at our headquarters, 
I am frequently called out of a snug bed on some of these 
nocturnal office inspections. The general usually pitches into 
us right and left, utterly indifferent to choice of language, 
and will sometimes keep us an hour or more. Whenever he 
has been extremely brusque, he is sure to calm down in the 
end and become very gracious. He never forgets a face, and 
is always more than ready to give everybody credit for what 
they do, and has complimented me many times on my office, 
and more than once declared that it was unequaled. He was 
a quartermaster for many years, and can't get over his taste 
for military papers. 

Some of the documents passing through headquarters are 
very interesting, a large number being pathetic appeals made 
directly to the President for the pardon of some condemned 
soldier from a mother or sister living, perhaps, in the 
most remote corner of the country. Every direct appeal to 
the) President is certain of consideration, no matter how ob- 
scure the writer, and the letter is at once referred, through 
the Secretary of War, to the immediate commanding officer 
for full particulars, with the written opinion of every general 
officer through whom it passes endorsed upon it, so that by 



224 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

the time it gets back into the President's hands, he has a com- 
plete epitome of the case, and can act understandingly. When- 
ever there is the slightest excuse for exercising clemency, the 
culprit is sure to benefit by it, as the President dislikes mar- 
tial law and is very tender hearted. 

Papers of this sort coming down for information have to 
be registered, indexed, and promptly forwarded to their ulti- 
mate destination, and not only this, but kept in mind in case 
of delay at any headquarters. The regimental commanding 
officer having referred the paper to the company commander, 
he, who is the father of his men and knows the history 
of every one of them, endorses in concise form the par- 
ticulars of the case with his opinion as to what ought to be 
done, and then returns it to the regimental commander, who 
in his turn sends it to brigade, and so through division, corps, 
and army headquarters to the Secretary of War, and thus back 
to the President, every headquarters in the meantime, mak- 
ing any remarks on the case they think proper. Sometimes 
these letters come along with more than a dozen endorsements. 
Some of them are unique and sometimes amusing. 

We have a couple of capital clerks at our headquarters, 
who besides being beautiful writers, are methodical and very 
capable. Swartz, in particular, is a most faithful and valuable 
man. Since General Hooker assumed command, we have fre- 
quently seen him, and he appears to be looking after affairs. 
He is a fine appearing soldier, with smooth shaven face, and, 
as a division commander, has been very successful. He is a 
high liver, has a reputation for gallantry, and keeps a good 
many society people about his headquarters. Anything, of 
course, is an improvement on Burnside and we all hope 
Hooker may prove a success. 

I saw it stated the other day that the newspapers had 
killed off McClellan. How curious it is, that people should 
be so obtuse ! McClellan killed himself. The newspapers gave 
him a reputation gratuitously, before he had ever marched a 
man out of camp, and when the test came he was found 
wanting, and although favored beyond all other men, ulti- 
mately found his level and has dropped out of sight. 

March iyth. This being St. Patrick's day, or the 17th of 
Ireland, as the men call it, General Meagher and staff cele- 
brated by giving a steeplechase on the parade ground of the 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 225 

division. A course was carefully laid out, ditches dug, hurdles 
erected, and valuable prizes offered to the contestants. The 
conditions were simply that none but commissioned officers 
of the division could ride, which was sufficiently liberal. A 
crowd of officers presented themselves aspirants for honors, 
as well as prizes. Meagher, glorious in fancy undress uni- 
form liberally covered with gold braid, and followed by a 
jolly lot of staff officers, rode about the course, master of all 
he surveyed. He is a very good horseman. Most of the 
general officers of the army, with their many lady friends, 
were invited, resulting in a magnificent crowd. Amongst 
many notables riding in the train of the commander-in-chief, 
was the Princess Salm Salm, a beautiful and fearless horse 
woman. When she first came on the ground, she rode her 
horse up to a five foot hurdle and nonchalantly took a stand- 
ing jump, clearing it handsomely. Hooker looked superb, 
followed by a great crowd of staff officers and retinue of 
mounted ladies. 

The race was a great success, there being many falls, 
many horses injured and a lot of riders. Wilson, of Han- 
cock's staff, rode, and although getting one or two bad -falls, 
managed to pull through, and win one of the prizes. Jack 
Garcon the O'Malley dragoon aide, won first prize and was 
fully entitled to it. The course was surrounded by thousands, 
kept in order by guards posted entirely around the field. In 
the evening General Meagher gave a reception, and of course, 
all the brigade and other commanders, with their staffs, were 
invited. Zook, Broom, and I attended, but the pace was too 
fast for Zook and so we retired early, leaving Broom, who is 
quite equal to every emergency of this sort, to do the honors. 

Within a large hospital tent, mounted upon a table in the 
center, stood an immense punch bowl filled to the brim with 
the strongest punch I ever tasted. All were invited to par- 
take and such a gathering of jolly, handsomely dressed fel- 
lows, I never saw before. The Irish brigade was in its glory. 
It understood the situation, was master of it, and quite immor- 
talized itself. 

There was the inevitable quarrel. How could it, other- 
wise, have been complete? The general and the brigade sur- 
geon ended in challenging each other to mortal combat, and 
for a time matters assumed a threatening aspect. The fol- 



226 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

lowing morning, however, when the effects of the nectar had 
subsided, the surgeon apologized in due form, and peace 
resumed her loving sway. 

Mitchell, of Hancock's staff, was in high feather, and 
might easily have been mistaken for one of the festive brigade. 

The weather is most extraordinary, throughout February, 
March and up to this time, April ioth, it has been just like 
spring. Many of the men have laid out flower gardens, and 
some have even planted seeds and beguile themselves into 
believing it possible they may remain to see them grow. The 
fields and adjacent woods are full of wild flowers and many 
of them have been transferred to the soldier's plots, especially 
the bluet, a tiny, modest flower, which here covers with its 
beauty the banks and shady nooks of woods. The dainty 
anemone, which grows profusely in damp places, is also 
much in evidence ; these garden patches look very pretty, and 
are much thought of. 

Cicero considers that a garden is the greatest refreshment 
to the spirits of man, without which, he says, "buildings and 
palaces are but gross handiworks," which proves that men's 
tastes are much to-day what they were nineteen centuries ago. 

April 13, 1863. 
At last the long-looked for promotion has been made and 
Zook is no longer the colonel of the Fifty-seventh New York, 
but a flull-fledged brigadier general. His commission arrived 
in camp this morning, together with special orders, Headquar- 
ters, Army of the Potomac, No. 103, assigning him to the com- 
mand of his old brigade. The first official act of the new 
general was the promulgation of the following order: 

Headquarters, Third Brigade, First Division, Second 

Corps, 

April 13, 1863. 
Special Order No. 1 : 

The following named officers are announced as the staff 
of the general commanding the brigade : 

Lieutenant J. M. Favill, Aide-de-Camp and A. A. A. Gen- 
eral. 

Lieutenant C. H. H. Broom, Aide-de-Camp. 

Captain L. L. Rose, A. C. S., Brigade Commissiary. 

Captain Leffingwell, A. Q. M., Brigade Quartermaster. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 227 

Captain James D. Brady, Sixtythird New York, Assistant 
Inspector-General. 

They will be obeyed and respected accordingly. 
By order of 

Brigadier-General S. K. Zook. 
J. M. Favill, Lieutenant, A. D. C. and A. A. G. 

The usual report made to the Secretary of War upon ac- 
ceptance of a military commission, states that he was born at 
Chester, Pa., March 27, 1822, so he is about forty-one years 
of age, in the very prime of manhood. He served a long 
apprenticeship at soldiering in the militia. In 1842 he was 
major of the One Hundredth Pennsylvania regiment, and, sub- 
sequently, on his removal to New York City, became an of- 
ficer of the Sixth New York militia, and on May 19, 1857, 
was commissioned major in that command, holding that rank 
at the opening of hostilities in 1861. On the return of the 
Sixth regiment from the three months' service with which 
he served he was commissioned by Governor Morgan of 
New York colonel of volunteers, and assigned to the command 
of the Fifty-seventh infantry. He has a remarkable faculty 
in the topographical line and can find his way in almost any 
part of the country, where most others would be hopelessly 
lost. He gained this knowledge as superintendent of the West- 
ern Union Telegraph Company in the South and Southwest, 
where under his supervision most of their lines were put up. 
It is a valuable experience and has many times stood him in 
good stead. 

The general is popular, a magnificent drill officer, an ex- 
cellent soldier, and richly deserves his promotion. He received 
the hearty congratulations of the officers of the division and is 
very modest in his bearing. General Hancock immediately 
contributed a pair of stars, which we lost no time in sewing 
on his coat, taking, I think, more pride in them than the gen- 
eral did himself. 

Upon my appointment as aide-de-camp, I resigned my 
commission as adjutant, and Broom resigned his commission 
of quartermaster in the Fifty-seventh, and we were succeeded, 
respectively, by Lieutenants Case and Snyder. 

The general has promised to recommend me to the Presi- 
dent for assistant adjutant-general, but wants to wait to see 



228 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

if he can get transferred to the West, which he is in love 
with. Admires Grant and Sherman, and thinks there is much 
more chance for an independent command out there than in 
this army. As an aide-de-camp he can take me wherever 
he goes, but not as an assistant adjutant-general, who belongs 
to the troops, and not to the general. In the meantime, I 
am to assume the duties of assistant adjutant-general, in addi- 
tion to those of aide-de-camp. I hope we may soon get trans- 
ferred to pastures new. 

April 16th. The routine of camp life abruptly terminated 
to-day by receipt of orders to prepare for immediate ser- 
vice. We could scarcely believe that we were really going 
to leave our comfortable winter quarters and again take the 
field, but there it was, in black and white. "Troops to pre- 
pare at once eight days' rations and one hundred and sixty 
rounds of ammunition to be issued." The order was to leave 
extra clothing, camp equipage, etc., behind, the extra five 
days' rations to be carried in knapsacks instead of clothing, etc. 

We hear that General Hooker proposes to open the cam- 
paign by turning the flanks of the enemy, drawing him out of 
his entrenchments, and fighting him in the open. If the 
operation is successful, our camp equipage can easily be 
brought up whilst in case of a reverse we can simply fall back 
again to our starting place. 

Much to the astonishment and inconvenience of the whole 
army, we remained day after day, prepared to march, keeping 
up our stock of eight days' rations, wagons packed, etc., until 
the 28th, two weeks almost, when at 7 a. m., we marched 
out of camp and headed for the woods lining the banks of 
the Rappahannock, bivouacking opposite Banks ford in dense 
pine woods. We were ordered to detail one regiment to 
guard the ford, and two others to open a road to the United 
States ford. Ordered the Sixty-sixth to the ford, and the 
Fifty-second and Fifty-seventh to build the road and three 
companies of the One Hundred and Fortieth Pennsylvania 
Volunteers to picket it as fast as the men opened it. 

According to custom it began raining soon after dark, and 
continued throughout the night. We remained opposite 
Banks ford until April 30th, at 2 p. m., when we fell in, 
marched to the United States ford and crossed the river, 
bivouacking in a heavy timbered wilderness. The roads were 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 229 

frightful, and all hands became covered with mud. The 
headquarters ambulance in which our blankets, rations, etc., 
were carried, failed to come up, and we were obliged to sit 
around a weakly camp fire throughout the long, dark night, 
hungry, cold, and wretched. 

The next morning, May 1st, we marched forward to 
Chancellorsville, where there was a small opening in the 
woods, and immediately began to manoeuvre. Instead of giv- 
ing an account of the movements of the troops myself, I shall 
here insert the official report of the general himself, which 
covers the whole ground, and is not to be found in any other 
publication. 

Headquarters Third Brigade, Hancock's Division, 
Second Corps, 
Camp near Falmouth, Va., May 12, 1863. 
To Major John Hancock, A. A. G. 

Major : I have the honor to submit the following report 
of the part taken by this brigade in the recent operations of 
the army of the Potomac. 

On the 28th ult., we broke camp. On the evening of the 
30th we crossed the Rappahannock at United States ford and 
bivouacked that night near Chancellorsville. 

At noon on the 1st inst, the brigade marched out over 
the Fredericksburg and Gordonsville pike to a hill, in the 
direction of Fredericksburg, about a mile from the Chancel- 
lorsville house, where it was formed in two lines to the right 
of the road and the first brigade. 

The Sixty-sixth New York and One Hundred and For- 
tieth Pennsylvana formed the first line and the Fifty-seventh 
and Fifty-second New York the second. Skirmishers were 
thrown out from the first line with instructions to remain 
under cover of the woods out of the enemy's view. Subse- 
quently Major Scott, of the division staff, in the name of the 
general, required of me a regiment to support the skirmish 
line, which he himself undertook to post. The Fifty-second 
New York were assigned to the performance of this duty, 
and by some mistake was deployed in full view of the enemy 
and within easy range of his batteries. Of course, the enemy 
opened fire upon the regiment with his artillery and advanced 
his infantry against it with such effect that twenty-four en- 



2 3 o DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

listed men out of one hundred and twenty-four, the total of 
the regiment, were killed or wounded without accomplishing 
any possible good. 

Some time later I received orders to fall back with the 
brigade two hundred yards and await orders, which, how- 
ever, were soon given, to hasten out of the woods, march rap- 
idly towards the Chancellorsville House and re-form line of 
battle. 

The line was formed in the best position the ground af- 
forded, with one battery in front and another in rear. The 
fire of the latter injured one officer and several men of the 
One Hundred and Fortieth Pennsylvania by premature shell 
explosion. 

After the repulse of the enemy, the brigade again ad- 
vanced over the road by which it had just retired, and took 
position to its left at the foot of the ridge recently abandoned, 
forming a second line to the First brigade, General Cald- 
well's. It remained here until 3 a. m. of the 2d, when it was 
again withdrawn to the Chancellorsville House. The enemy 
had shelled the position ineffectually during the early part 
of the night. 

At sunrise the Fifty-seventh New York was detailed to 
picket near the ground just vacated by our lines. During the 
day it was frequently and determinedly attacked, but resisted 
successfully, killing and wounding many of the enemy. In 
the course of the morning a part of the Fifty-second was 
sent to its assistance, and, of course, shared the fighting and 
honor. 

The remainder of the brigade at the same time marched to- 
wards the place of our first night's bivouac to occupy a 
crest looking towards Fredericksburg, which they subsequently 
strengthened by rifle pits. At 10 A. M. the Sixty-sixth New 
York was detached to report to General Caldwell, and later 
in the day what remained of the Fifty-second was sent him 
also. 

A battery enfilading my position threw a few shells about 
sunset, but fortunately without injury to the command. At 
9 p. m. the Sixty-sixth and two companies of the One Hun- 
dred and Fortieth relieved the Fifty-seventh and the part of 
the Fifty-second which was on picket, the latter falling back 
to the rifle pits vacated by the Sixty-sixth on General Cald- 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 231 

well's line. These pickets experienced severe fighting and 
considerable loss next day, especially when ordered to fall back. 

On the morning of the 3d, some regiments having been 
withdrawn from the rifle pits on my right, the One Hundred 
and Fortieth was moved in that direction to maintain con- 
nection with those which remained. In this new position the 
regiment lost some men, killed and wounded by the enemy's 
artillery. Lieutenant John Paden, Fifty-seventh New York, 
acting aide-de-camp, was wounded in the shoulder by a piece 
of shell at this place. 

Subsequently the One Hundred and Fortieth was moved 
to the support of a battery on the right of the Chancellors- 
ville House, the Fifth Maine. 

Half an hour after taking this position the house caught 
fire. Being filled with our wounded, a company of the One 
Hundred and Fortieth was ordered to assist in their removal, 
which duty was well performed under very severe fire. 

Another detail of forty men was made to bring off the 
guns of the battery above named, which had lost all its of- 
ficers and nearly all its men and horses. This detail first 
drove two caissons into the woods out of the enemy's sight 
and then returned and removed two guns to the same position. 
It was then and there they first saw men of any other brigade. 

Some men of the Second brigade assisted part of the detail 
to bring off their guns, whilst the remainder went back for the 
other three, which they found some men of the Second and 
Fourth brigades endeavoring to remove. Lieutenant Linton, 
of the One Hundred and Fortieth, in charge of the detail, 
ordered some of his men to assist with each gun until they 
reached a place of safety, which was done. 

The gun detail and that for the removal of the wounded 
necessarily left their arms with the regiment, which moved 
away in obedience to orders during their absence. In this 
way some rifles were lost, although many of the men and 
some of the officers carried off quite an arm load of pieces ; 
conspicuous amongst the latter was Lieutenant Stokes, who 
abandoned his rations, blankets, etc., for the purpose. 

On arriving upon the field near the White house, in rear 
of Chancellorsville, I found the other regiments of the brigade, 
the Fifty-second and Fifty-seventh, which had been operating 
under General Caldwell, as he informed me, with great credit, 
and the Sixty-sixth returned from picket. 



232 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

These with the One Hundred and Fortieth were formed in 
line, in rear of General Caldwell's brigade, in the new position 
of the left of the Third corps, where we remained until our 
withdrawal to the north bank of the river. 

I am happy to express entire satisfaction with the conduct 
of my command and to return my thanks to Captain Rose and 
Lieutenants Favill, Broom, and Paden of my staff for their 
efficient assistance. 

I am, Major, 

Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, 

S. K. Zook, Brigadier-General. 

General Zook's report was not forwarded to the War De- 
partment, as is usual, on account of the reference to Major 
Scott, which General Hancock deemed a reflection upon that 
officer, and as Zook stubbornly refused to change it, General 
Hancock sent it back again, and I have it now in my pos- 
session.* 

I was ordered to superintendent the dispositions of the 
Sixty-sixth and Fifty-second New York and rode with them 
to the edge of the woods, which was skirted by a little stream ; 
on the other side of it the ground rose abruptly, forming a 
very steep hill, evidently commanding the ground occupied 
by our troops, the Chancellor house included. There was 
nothing in sight when we posted the skirmish line on the 
edge of the little stream ; but as soon as this was done, Major 
Scott came along and ordered the line to advance to the crest 
of the hill over the open ground. They had hardly gone fifty 
yards when a heavy line of the enemy's skirmishers came 
sweeping over the crest, directly in front, and upon seeing us 
immediately opened fire, to which we replied with so much 
spirit that they were compelled to halt, but in a few minutes 
a line of battle advanced to their support and obliged us to 
hastily fall back under cover of the woods, losing several 
men. As soon as the men crossed the stream, they were or- 
dered to fall back slowly, contesting the woods as stubbornly 
as possible, while I rode back to the general to advise him 
of the situation. By this time the enemy had planted guns 
on the high ground we had just seen, and the woods I rode 
through were alive with bursting shells. Branches were torn 

*Since transmitted to the War Department. 




Major-General W. S. Hancock. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 233 

off, and sometimes entire tops of trees came tumbling down. 
I managed to keep a fairly straight course in the thick wood, 
and soon ran into the general and his command, formed in two 
lines of battle, and it was only a short time before the rebel 
line came in sight and immediately opened fire. It is impos- 
sible to describe the tremendous noise made by the firing of 
so many thousands of men in heavy woods; the sound cannot 
get away easily, and so makes a continuous roar, while the 
smoke quickly obscures the ground between the contending 
forces, always leading to more or less uncertainty and re- 
quiring infinite skill and judgment on the part of commanding 
officers to conduct matters successfully. 

In the course of the day, the rebel general Jackson moved 
swiftly across our front and swooped down upon our extreme 
right, held by General Howard, with the Eleventh corps of 
Dutchmen. Howard's men had stacked arms and were play- 
ing cards and loitering about without any thought of danger, 
when the enemy sailed right into them, driving them like flocks 
of sheep. Our lines were so close together that the flying 
Dutchmen came in streams right up to our lines, and deaf 
to all entreaties many of them actually ran right across into 
the arms of the very men they were trying to avoid. It was 
really ludicrous. At last we faced about and drove them to- 
wards the ford. The line abandoned by the Eleventh corps 
was speedily re-established by fresh troops and Jackson's 
advance repelled, in the doing of which the enemy sustained 
the loss of their renowned general, and thus their actual loss 
greatly exceeded ours. Stonewall Jackson has made the 
greatest reputation of any officer in either army thus far 
in the war, and we ourselves could not help feeling sorry 
for the loss of so brilliant a genius. 

One of the sad scenes on the field when the Eleventh corps 
were in disorder was that of a man being led out of the fight 
with both his eyes laying out on his cheeks suspended by liga- 
ments. A musket ball had traversed the rear of both eyes, 
forcing them out of their sockets ; he passed close to me and 
I noticed he was able to talk. I thought it the most pitiable 
case I had ever seen. While standing amongst a group of of- 
ficers a Whitworth solid shot came along, almost spent ap- 
parently ; it was ricochetting over the ground, turning end on 
end, and seemed to be going so slowly that without thinking I 



234 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

put out my foot to stop it, when some one suddenly jerked 
me backwards ; the ball struck an ambulance wheel a little 
behind us and smashed it all to pieces, the moral of which 
is never try to stop a cannon ball. 

The scene about the Chancellor house at ten o'clock of 
the 3d beggars description. The open ground was covered 
with batteries ; many of them had lost all their horses. A con- 
verging fire of the enemy's guns from front, right, and left 
swept the ground ; round shot and shell filled the air about us, 
and confusion reigned supreme. When the general and I rode 
up, after we had withdrawn the troops in rear of the 
road and house, we found the porch of the house full 
of officers ; amongst them General Hooker himself, leaning 
against one of the pillars, apparently bewildered. A few 
moments after our arrival, the house took fire from a bursting 
shell. It was filled with wounded men who were safely re- 
moved by willing volunteers. In the midst of the tremendous 
noises of exploding shells and cracklin fire a couple of 
women rushed out of the building and fled to the rear, watched 
by thousands of men, not one of whom was not ready to sac- 
rifice his own life to aid them in their flight for safety. As 
the general describes in his report, the final effort to remove 
the guns by hand and reform the line in rear of the house, 
I shall leave the matter here, only giving my opinion that the 
whole battle was mismanaged from beginning to end. If we 
had advanced in the direction of Fredericksburg and taken 
position on the open commanding ground, where all the troops 
could have been fought to advantage and our artillery used 
effectively, the result would have been very different. 

While establishing the line in rear of the Chancellor House 
General Hancock, followed by his staff and General Zook and 
his staff, rode over the ground at the angle on the left down 
quite a declevity, where a rebel battery had the exact range. 
Shells flew all around and about us. One of them struck Gen- 
eral Zook's horse in the neck and carried away a piece weigh- 
ing several pounds. The general was obliged to take an 
orderly's horse, but very singularly his own horse lived for 
some time afterwards. It was interesting to see General Han- 
cock ride along amidst this rain of shells utterly indifferent, 
not even ducking his head when one came close to him, which 
is a difficult thing to do, for one seems to do it involuntarily. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 235 

General Hancock is in his element and at his best in the midst 
of a fight, which cannot be said of some of the general officers. 

During the time we were on the south side of the river, 
our staff was without supplies and depended upon the orderlies 
and men for whatever we had to eat. At night we sat against 
a tree on our saddles, without fires and vainly endeavored to 
go to sleep or get into a comfortable position. It rained a 
good deal of the time, making matters much worse, but the 
three days passed and none of us was much the worse for 
our experience. The fact is, we are so tough and inured to 
exposure that we can stand anything. In the last position the 
men not employed dug holes in the sandy soil to escape the 
enemy's shells, forming a gigantic rabbit warren. They pro- 
tected themselves so well we had but few casualties. 

Remained in this last position made impregnable by the 
industry of the troops until the night of the 5th, when we 
were ordered to recross the river and return to our winter 
quarters. Owing to the continued rainfall of the last two 
days all hands were liberally covered with mud and mighty 
glad to get out of the rain-soaked woods. The enemy had 
suffered too much in their frequent attempts to carry our 
lines to interfere with our movements in recrossing the river. 

While we were engaged at Chancellorsville, Stoneman 
with the cavalry corps, made a diversion in the enemy's rear 
by riding entirely around Lee's army, to Richmond. He de- 
stroyed the Virginia Central Railroad from Gordonsville 
eastward, all the railroad equipment, cars, depots, telegraph, 
etc., for twenty miles or more ; destroyed the Aquia and Rich- 
mond Railroad ; all public and private stores they fell in with, 
and captured and took away mules, horses, and slaves in vast 
numbers. They went close to Richmond, causing the greatest 
consternation. The failure of so brilliant an opening on the 
part of the army of the Potomac is a great disappointment 
to us. General Hooker's plans were excellent. Sedgwick, 
who crossed at Fredericksburg, was successful, and had we 
been properly handled and advanced towards that point on 
open ground, we might have gained a great victory, but we 
lacked the leader and are again looking for some one worthy 
of the army whose energies no defeat can tame. 

May 12th. The troops are in good condition again, fully 
recovered from the late mud campaign and waiting for some- 



236 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

thing to turn up. In the meantime, the men, at least some of 
them, are gardening again, and the seeds planted early are, in 
fact, up and growing fast. Many changes have occurred 
amongst the commanding officers. Couch is to leave us, as 
we hear, on account of his distaste for present commanders. 
He has served with the Second corps since Sumner retired 
and is a very quiet, sensible, competent officer, but looks more 
like a Methodist minister than a soldier. Our own gallant 
Hancock takes the corps' command, and Brigadier-General 
John C. Caldwell, now commanding the First brigade, will 
assume command of the division. Hooker's successor has not 
been heard from so far, but, of course, he will not be retained 
in command. 

May 28th. The brigade has been drilling on the parade 
ground in every known tactical movement. We can execute 
the most difficult movements with never a blunder nor the 
least hesitation. Horse racing, bayonet exercises, some 
fencing, and some gardening ; many of the flowers now in full 
bloom. 

General Zook has applied for and received a twenty day 
leave of absence and goes home to-morrow. Broom and I go 
with him. This is one of the sweets of staff positions : we are 
to do as we please after reaching Washington and all our 
traveling expenses are paid. The command of the brigade 
was turned over to Colonel Morris of the Sixty-sixth New 
York, a gallant and accomplished officer and gentleman and 
one of my very good friends. On the 29th we got on board 
the train and went to Washington. There we left the general 
with his friend Williams and both of us proceeded to New 
York, where we renewed our social gaieties and fell at once 
into the ways of city life. There is much less enthusiasm 
now for officers from the seat of war and one gets little 
attention except from one's immediate friends. 

On the 17th of June, the papers announced the enemy in 
motion and the army of the Potomac as leaving their win- 
ter quarters about Falmouth. By nine o'clock I received a 
dispatch from the general, directing Broom and me to leave 
for Washington immediately ; and so we took the train the 
same evening, arriving there the following morning, reporting 
without waiting for breakfast. Received a hospitable greeting 
from both the general and his friend Williams, who pressed 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 237 

us to remain and breakfast, but we respectfully declined in 
favor of our usual headquarters when in Washing-ton, the 
Metropolitan Hotel. We remained in the city until the 21st 
before we could ascertain in which direction to go to reach 
our command, the general in a state of great disturbance on 
account of the delay. Early this morning we found out and 
took the military train to Fairfax court house, arriving there 
in the evening to find the corps had marched from that place 
early the same morning ; each of us had a valise to carry, and 
being without horses or servants were at a loss how to pro- 
ceed. Broom, however, proved equal to the emergency. He 
called upon the depot quartermaster greeted him in his usual 
irresistible and hearty manner, claimed an ancient acquaint- 
ance and comradeship as an old quartermaster, and finally 
wheedled an ambulance out of him, with directions to the 
driver to take us wherever we desired to go; thus comfortably 
cared for we started off in fine condition, arriving at Centre- 
ville, only to find the corps had gone on to Gainesville, and 
so we kept going, finally arriving at division headquarters at 
7 p. m., after a tiresome journey lasting all day. General 
French's division and our brigade were the only infantry 
troops in camp. All the rest had gone with General Flancock 
to Thoroughfare Gap. It was delightful to be back again 
to our command and meet with such a hearty welcome. 
The troops always like their regular officers along, when 
going on a campaign. General French occupied the best house 
in the place as headquarters and invited Zook to share 
it with him. The general accepted, and immediately as- 
sumed command of his brigade. From General French 
we received the first reliable information of the movements 
of the army and a full record of the events, which led up to 
the present movement. It seems Lee has taken the initiative 
again, and is believed to be moving a second time to the in- 
vasion of the Northern states. The army of the Potomac 
is watching his movements, moving on an inner circle, cov- 
ering the capital and expects sooner or later to plant itself 
across his path. 

Almost every foot of ground in this vicinity has been 
fought over time and again, since the beginning of the war. 
The Bull Run battlefield is only a short distance east of us, 
and Thoroughfare Gap and Centreville are on either side 



238 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

of us. Several roads converge here, and it is strategically a 
place of considerable importance and has been occupied by 
both armies alternately several different times. Outside of its 
military importance, it amounts to nothing. 

July 2jd. Early this morning General French was di- 
rected to turn over the command at Gainsville to General 
Zook, French having been assigned to the command of Har- 
per's Ferry. This was most agreeable news for both French 
and Zook. French was delighted to go to Harper's Ferry 
and Zook to get an independent command. He immediately 
issued an order assuming command and announced me as 
the adjutant-general of the post. The command consists of 
Arnold's First Rhode Island battery, two squadrons of cav- 
alry, our own brigade, and the Third division, lately French's, 
amounting altogether to about three thousand men. 

Zook promptly made himself acquainted with the position 
of the troops and the character of the ground. He established 
a picket line personally, completely surrounding the camp with 
detachments of cavalry, pushed well out on every road con- 
verging on the place, also mounted patrols, who kept up com- 
munication between the pickets and our headquarters. 

At daylight every man of the staff was in the saddle and 
all the troops under arms. In person the general then rode 
out to the advance posts and spent most of the morning in 
obtaining information and inspecting the position of the ad- 
vanced guard. We found this independent command a fine 
thing and ourselves great Moguls. We dined with the family 
in the house on chickens and soft bread, our cooks furnishing 
the supplies and doing the work, notwithstanding which we 
paid the thrifty housewife fifty cents per head for every meal 
we took there. During the day I think, we received fifty 
telegrams from General Hancock, who is at the Gap. He 
reported Stuart skirmishing all around his position, that his 
pickets were frequently driven in, and cautioned us time and 
again to be on the alert, which was entirely superfluous, as 
we even sleep with one eye open and never more than half of 
us at a time. 

Early the 25th General Hancock telegraphed Zook to 
have everything in readiness to move at a moment's notice on 
Gum Springs via Sudley Church. At 10 a. m. one of our 
mounted picket posts was captured, and the patrol came gal- 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 239 

loping in, followed by the enemy's cavalry on the Warrenton 
road. At 10:30 a. m. we received the order to withdraw and 
promptly fell in and marched to Sudley Church. The tele- 
graph operator cut the wires, removed his instruments, and 
rode with us. Marched out of Gainsville in fine form, a rear 
guard of two guns, a squadron of cavalry, and full regiment 
of infantry following a considerable distance in rear. Flank- 
ers were deployed on each side of the column, and in fine 
spirits we stepped out at a lively gait. Shortly after starting, 
the enemy's cavalry completely surrounded us, keeping at a 
respectful distance, but in full view all the time. At half past 
two p. m. the head of the column reached Sudley 's Church and 
crossed the Bull Run river at the ford. 

Opposite the ford the ground was high, and here the gen- 
eral posted Arnold's battery to cover the crossing. He di- 
rected the movement of the troops on the opposite side in 
person and charged me with the supervision of the crossing 
below. There were eighty wagons and ambulances, and it 
was a considerable undertaking to keep them all in motion, 
but by much effort they were kept moving. In the course 
of half an hour or so an orderly rode in from the rear and 
reported the enemy pressing the rear guard, and a rebel bat- 
tery coming up. I sent an orderly to notify Zook, and with 
some of the quartermaster's officers examined the river for 
another ford, luckily finding one almost as good as the regu- 
lar ford. Shortly afterwards, the rebel guns opened on us 
and dropped their shells most annoyingly. Arnold was 
obliged to take position and soon drove them away. Every- 
thing safely crossed, and vastly satisfied with the honor of 
superintending the movement of so many troops, I rejoined 
the general, who occupied a most commanding position on 
unobstructed ground. We were greatly amused at the 
audacity of the rebel cavalry. They completely surrounded 
us, keeping in full view, but confining themselves simply to 
watching our movements, and so we made no attempt to dis- 
turb them, not being desirous of masking our intentions. We 
remained in this position for an hour, resting the troops and 
giving the teams an opportunity of getting into good order, 
when an orderly from General Hancock came with directions 
to proceed at once to Gum Springs and there join the rest 
of the corps. So we marched at once, unluckily getting on 



2 4 o DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

the wrong road, causing considerable delay, but striking out 
across the country. Soon found the proper road and arrived 
at Gum Springs about 9 p. m. 

On the route we passed over the old Bull Run battlefield 
and at the junction of a railroad crossing saw hundreds of 
human skeletons bleached white as snow, a ghastly monu- 
ment of those who had fallen in the great cause. We were 
considerably depressed by this horrible side of war, and I 
noticed the soldiers were anxious to hurry away. 

The evening was a typical campaign bivouac, and around 
a cheerful camp fire we sat down to a substantial supper, af- 
terwards regaling ourselves with a toddy prepared by the 
general's trusty man, Ferguson ; the fatigues and anxieties of 
the day all forgotten in the glorious and exhilirating sur- 
roundings of a thousand camp fires and the music of innumer- 
able bands. 

June 26th. Rained nearly all last night, and in conse- 
quence the roads are very bad. To-day at 6 a. m. marched to 
Edward's Ferry on the Potomac, reaching there at midnight. 
The march was excessively fatiguing, as we were eighteen 
hours on the road, the latter part of which was execrable. 
Crossing the river immediately upon our arrival, we formed 
in close column of division, stacked arms, and lay down to 
sleep, the men badly used up, many of them missing. There 
was much confusion here, caused by the immense trains, which 
occupied the roads to the exclusion of the troops. Many of 
the wagons were disabled, and the road was constantly block- 
aded. We heard on our arrival that Lee had crossed the 
Potomac and was heading directly for Pennsylvania. 

June 2/tli. Remained in bivouac until 3 p. m., by which 
time the stragglers had come up and the command well 
rested. Then marched via Poolsville to Barnsville, arriving 
at the latter place at 11 p. m. The weather cleared up and 
the roads rapidly improved, so that the day's march, although 
long and exhausting, was much less distressing than that of 
yesterday. 

Passing through these various towns, our experiences of 
last autumn were renewed. Everybody was, of course, on 
the streets and showed us the greatest attention, looking in 
amazement at the interminable lines of infantry, moving day 
and night without interruption. We came in for many pres- 
ents of cherries, which were in abundance. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 241 

June 28th. Reveille at daybreak and immediately after- 
wards breakfast. At 6 a. m. the column was en route, step- 
ping out at a brisk pace, arriving after a march of about 
twenty-five miles at Monocasy Junction with few stragglers 
and in excellent condition. 

The country we marched through to-day is very beautiful 
and the inhabitants greatly excited over the invasion. The 
rebel cavalry is scouring the country, driving off the farmers' 
stock and scaring everybody out of their wits. The militia 
have been called out again and are hurrying to Baltimore, 
Philadelphia, and Washington ; exactly similar proceedings to 
those of last September. 

June 2Qth. The command marched at 6 a. m. and made 
the longest and most severe march in its history. We passed 
through Liberty and Jonhsville to Uniontown, a distance of 
fully thirty miles. Some say thirty-five. The roads were good 
but fearfully dusty. We rested occasionally, perhaps three 
hours all told, and went into bivouac in fair condition, al- 
though there were many stragglers. The day was beauti- 
ful, but the sun much too hot for comfort. Riding at the 
head of the column the general suggested that every man be 
required to contribute something for the amusement of the 
party. I unexpectedly made quite a hit by relating a lot of 
Ovid's metamorphoses, which some of them had never heard 
of before and thought very wonderful. Occasionally we dis- 
mounted and walked, and at times rode out of the column 
to neighboring houses to have a chat with the natives, get a 
cool drink of water, and perhaps a chat with the girls of the 
establishment. How one does enjoy a stretch on the cool 
green grass after the day's march is over, and what an im- 
mense appetite one has at night. Nothing can be more de- 
lightful and interesting than campaigning in a civilized coun- 
try at this season of the year. Uniontown is a pretty secluded 
village, patriotic, but paralyzed just now by the nearness of 
the rebel army. 

In passing through these towns, we usually resume the 
regular step, and with bands playing and colors flying make 
a stunning appearance. The Fifty-second, as in days gone 
by, although now with fewer voices, sing their memorable 
songs, which creates more enthusiasm than do the bands. 

The enemy are making a bold effort and devastating a 
wide stretch of country. I trust this will prove our chance 



242 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

for ending the rebellion by utterly routing them. Weather 
very hot; remained all day in bivouac, awaiting orders. Dur- 
ing the day the lame ducks came up and rejoined their colors. 

This evening we hear Hooker has been relieved of the 
command, and that General Meade from the Fifth corps is 
appointed in his place. There is not an officer in the army, 
I think, who does not rejoice at the news. We saw enough 
of Hooker at Chancellorsville to assure us he was not capable 
of commanding an army like this. 

July ist. The enemy are heading for Gettysburg, their 
cavalry scouting through Chambersburg and to the very out- 
skirts of Harrisburg, where everything is said to be in great 
disorder. We fell in at daylight, took breakfast, and imme- 
diately marched, expecting to meet the enemy towards even- 
ing. Passed through Taneytown, and during the afternoon 
heard heavy artillery firing ahead of us. The cavalry under 
Pleasanton and the First corps under General Reynolds are 
in front and reported to be heavily engaged, and so we accel- 
erated our steps and made every effort to reach the battlefield 
before night, but the distance was too great. General Han- 
cock, however, went ahead to assume command (Reynolds 
having been reported killed), directing us to follow as rapidly 
as possible. With few halts for rest to the music of the dis- 
tant guns, we hurried over the dusty roads, and at 10 p. m. 
reached the slope of a rocky hill, about a mile and a half in 
rear of the battlefield. The moment the column halted the 
men dropped down on the road and most of them fell asleep 
immediately, exhausted by the march of thirty miles on a 
July day over roads knee deep in dust. 

We were ordered to establish a guard, and together with 
the officer ordered to command it, I endeavored to wake 
the men up to fill the detail, but found it impossible to do so 
and had to give it up. They were too utterly exhausted. Zook 
sent me to report the fact to General Caldwell, who suggested 
that the troops be allowed to remain in the road for the night, 
which was obviously the only thing to be done. 

On arrival we learned that a very severe action had been 
fought, lasting from daylight till dark by Pleasanton and Rey- 
nolds against the bulk of Lee's army. They had stubbornly 
contested the fighting, desiring to preserve Gettysburg until the 
rest of the army came up, but had been overpowered and 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 243 

driven through the town with great loss, holding on, how- 
ever, to Cemetery Ridge, a commanding position, where our 
line of battle is now established. General Reynolds was killed, 
gallantly fighting, and both cavalry and infantry did well. 
Hancock, with the assistance of General Warren "of Meade's 
staff selected the lines now established, where the fate of the 
Union of these United States must be decided before to-mor- 
row night. What a momentous epoch in our history! With 
this thought uppermost, we dismounted, wrapped ourselves 
in our blankets, and by the side of a large friendly boulder, 
surrounded by thousands of sleeping forms, great numbers of 
whom were sleeping their last earthly sleep, we lay down 
and were instantly asleep, the general and I lying close to- 
gether to keep warm. 



CHAPTER XV 

" The midnight brought the signal sound of strife, 
The marshalling in arms, the day 
Battle's magnificently stern array." 

BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG; DEATH OF GENERAL ZOOK 

July 2d, 1863. 

AT daylight we were promptly under arms, and as soon as 
breakfast (coffee and crackers) was over, the brigade 
fell in and marched up the Cemetery Hill, already 
crowded with various bodies of troops moving into position. 

Our entire corps came on the ground, and formed in order 
of battle, the First, our division, forming in front, the Second 
a very short distance in rear, connecting on the right with 
Howard, and on the left with Sickles, of the Third corps. 

There was no firing during the formation, and as soon as 
it was completed, we had ample time to look about us and 
study the features of the field. We were posted on broad, 
high, open ground, gently sloping in front towards a small 
brook called Plum Run, some three or four hundred yards in 
front, running nearly parallel to our line of battle. An occa- 
sional clump of bushes interrupted the view. Towards the 
right, the ground was higher, completely overlooking the town 
of Gettysburg. On the left, arose abruptly a couple of small 
detached mountains. Round Top and Little Round Top, evi- 
dently the keys to the position. 

The enemy lay in line of battle, some fifteen hundred yards 
in front of us, under cover of the woods, which fringed the 
open ground from right to left as far as we could see. On the 
whole, the field seemed worthy of the great contest now to be 
fought to the death upon its emerald slopes. It was an admir- 
able field for artillery, and every gun that the army had was 
placed in position. Pettit's battery of glorious memory, now 
commanded by Lieutenant Rhoerty, a brilliant young Irish- 
man, lately ordnance officer of the division, was on our left; 
this battery and our brigade were on the best of terms, having 
fought together from Fair Oaks continuously till to-day. As 

244 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 245 

the enemy made no movement, our men sat or lay down in 
their ranks, while the officers gathered in groups, and discussed 
the probable outlook for the day. Little, however, was said, 
most of the men being preoccupied by their own thoughts. 
About ten o'clock the enemy fired a few shots and our guns 
replied, and this continued till towards noon, when an ominous 
silence brooded over the entire field. We knew the enemy 
were preparing for the attack, and this time it was our turn 
to await the advance. 

At 2 p. m. we stood to arms, on observing Sickles begin to 
advance and manceuver; after making several incomprehen- 
sible movements, his troops marched forward from in front 
of Round Top, and immediately brought on the action. 

Longstreet's corps advanced and savagely attacked the 
Third corps, forcing it back, after much fighting, ending in 
considerable confusion. From where we sat on our horses, 
the entire field of operations was in view, and was intensely 
interesting. The fighting continued by the Third corps alone 
until nearly 3 p. m. when Captain Tremain, of Sickles's staff, 
rode up to Zook, and requested him to move to Sickles's assist- 
ance. The general instantly put spurs to his horse and gal- 
loped directly across the field to Sickles, who, surrounded by 
a large staff, was in a state of great excitement; the enemy's 
shot were dropping about him, and he seemed to be very much 
confused and uncertain in his movements. When Zook ap- 
proached him, he excitedly asked him to put his command 
into action on his left, where he admitted Longstreet was 
steadily driving him back near the two small mountains. Zook 
declared his willingness to act. and galloped back to his com- 
mand, taking the stone walls and ditches without swerving, 
either to the right or left. When we reached the brigade, the 
First and Second brigade of our division were already on the 
march towards the threatened left, and we promptly followed, 
marching by the left flank, arriving at the wooded crest adja- 
cent to Round Top mountain ; we halted and formed column 
of attack in two lines : the One Hundred and Forty Pennsyl- 
vania, and Fifty-seventh New York in front; the Fifty-second 
and Sixty-sixth New York in rear. The ground was rocky, 
strewn with immense boulders, and sparsely covered with tim- 
ber. As soon as the formation was completed, we marched 
forward to the attack, at first over rising ground, and shortly 



246 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

received a tremenduous fire from the front; as we marched 
rapidly forward alongside the mountain, the tumult became 
deafening, the mountain side echoed back the musketry, so that 
no word of command could be heard, and little could be seen 
but long lines of flame, and smoke and struggling masses of 
ment. We kept right on obliquing somewhat to the right, 
until apparently directly in front of the raging mass of 
combatants below, then rushed at a double quick boldly 
forward into the mouth of hell, into the jaws of death. 
Zook, accompanied by Broom, led the first line, while the sec- 
ond line, commanded by Morris of the Sixty-sixth, was placed 
in my charge ; we soon came to a standstill and a close en- 
counter, when the firing became terrific and the slaughter 
frightful. We were enveloped in smoke and fire, not only in 
front, but on our left, and even at times on the right, appar- 
ently from men posted on the mountain sides. Our men fired 
promiscuously, steadily pressing forward, but the fighting 
was so mixed, rebel and union lines so close together, and in 
some places intermingled, that a clear idea of what was going 
on was not readily obtainable. While trying to keep the lines 
as effective as possible, watching the situation in this pan- 
demonium of death, I saw Zook a little towards the left, 
riding to the rear, supported by Broom and a mounted orderly. 
I rode over to him instantly, when he looked up with an ex- 
pression I shall never forget, and said: "It's all up with me, 
Favill." I told Broom I would turn over the command to 
Morris and join him as soon as I could, but Morris was not 
to be found readily in the great confusion of battle. Roberts 
of the One Hundred and Fortieth was killed, and the troops 
by this time were sadly mixed up with other commands. I 
found Frazer, however, the lieutenant-colonel of the One Hun- 
dred and Fortieth Pennsylvania, next in rank, and notified 
him of the death of Zook, and directed him to assume command. 
He wished me to remain, but I was personal aide-de-camp 
to Zook, and my duty was to him, and therefore I declined. 
Just then Brooke came up and took command of the whole 
line, and relieved the situation completely. I rode off the field 
and overtook the general with Broom, riding very slowly 
towards the Baltimore pike. The General was in great pain, 
and Broom told me he was shot through the bowels. I went 
ahead to find an ambulance, but before I returned thev had 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 247 

fallen in with one, and were driven to the field hospital. Sur- 
geon Wood, one of our best doctors, after examining the 
wound, told us it was fatal, and nothing could be done; there 
being no shelter here, and the enemy's shot frequently reach- 
ing the spot, we took the general on a stretcher, and carried 
him to a small house some distance in the rear on the Balti- 
more road, close to a bridge crossing a small creek. The 
house was already filled with men severely wounded, and the 
sight was most distressing; the howls of pain from the men in 
the hall and front room were so dreadful that we moved the 
general back into a small room cut off from the others, and here 
we spent the night, doing what we could to make our dear 
commander comfortable. I went out several times during the 
night, and looked at the ghastly scenes on the floors of the hall 
and parlor. As many men as could lay side by side completely 
covered the floors, which were streaming with blood, and the 
poor fellows seemed to give way completely to their misfor- 
tunes. Over twenty of them died and were carried into the 
yard during the night. 

Zook was calm, serene, and dignified, speaking occasion- 
ally, but never of himself, and apparently suffered but little 
pain. At daylight we concluded to move still further to the 
rear, as the cannon balls sometimes reached even this dreadful 
spot, so we took up the stretcher, and moved down the road 
amidst a motley crowd of ambulances, ammunition trains, and 
disorganized men, making it very difficult to get along; about 
a mile down the road we turned to the right, and took pos- 
session of a comfortable house ; it was occupied by several 
women, who were scared out of their wits, and glad to have us 
in the house. We placed the general on the stretcher in the 
front room to the left on entering, and had the women make 
some chicken soup or broth. I asked the general if he would 
not like to see Dwight, the noted chaplain of the Sixty-sixth, a 
special favorite of his, but he declined, saying it was too late. 
He signified his wishes in respect to his private affairs, and 
requested me to attend to everything for him, then calmly 
awaited the end. At times he brightened up and spoke with 
considerable animation, so that we began to think the doctor 
might be mistaken, and tried to make him think so too, but he 
shook his head and said there was no hope. We had fre- 
quently amongst ourselves discussed the nature of various 



248 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

wounds, and were all aware that a shot through the intes- 
tines was considered necessarily fatal. He drank a little whis- 
key at times, and some of the broth that the women made for 
him, but towards evening he began to fail, and at five o'clock 
peacefully breathed his last. 

Thus ended the career of a brilliant officer, an estimable 
gentleman, and a faithful friend. Killed at the head of his 
troops, on his native soil, defending the honor and integrity of 
the country he loved so well, is after all a glorious death to 
die, and so far as he is concerned, perhaps is the most fitting 
climax of a brilliant career. It is quite a different thing for 
those of us belonging to his military family, who have gone 
hand in hand together, since the very formation of the army 
of the Potomac. I was his chief aide-de-camp and enjoyed his 
confidence completely. He was to all of us friendly in the 
extreme, just, exacting at times, but always ready to acknowl- 
edge and give us credit whenever we deserved it. His death 
interrupts all our plans for the future, and our interest in mili- 
tary affairs seems to have entirely evaporated. What a blank 
in our lives his death will cause. From the day I met him 
first on Staten Island, when I turned out the guard to please 
him, I have been with him and always close to him, and knew 
him more intimately than any other person in the army. He 
was ambitious and intended getting transferred to the west 
at the first opportunity, where he held greater chances existed 
for independent commands, and consequently for gaining dis- 
tinction. 

Broom wrote Mitchell, of Hancock's staff, a line notifying 
him of the general's death, and asking for passes, so that we 
could take the body home, which were immediately sent to us. 
Early the following morning, July 4th, we secured some ice, 
packed the remains in a rude box, and sent them over to the 
railway station in an ambulance. 

A single life, even that of a distinguished general, in time 
of war is of slight consequence to the general result, and so in 
this case the battle continued in our absence, till late at night, 
when the Fifth corps took position on the front line. 

The following day about noon, the enemy opened fire from 
over one hundred guns, maintaining a terrific cannonading for 
over an hour, when again they attacked with extraordinary 
fury, making one of the most formidable charges of the war; 




Brigadier-General S. K. Zook. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 249 

thousands were slain, but our line was unbroken, and the Stars 
and Stripes defiantly floated over the line of brave men, who 
stood a steady, and valiant shield against all the fury and 
the power of the savage Confederacy. The following morn- 
ing Lee withdrew, disheartened, and dismayed by his immense 
losses. The flower of the Southern Confederacy was left upon 
the bloody field, and its doom forever sealed ; although they 
got away, they were maimed for life and beyond hope of re- 
covery. 

Broom and I rode upon the box containing the general's 
remains, in a freight car crowded with corpses, and the stench 
was prodigious. Several others were in the car, there being 
no passenger cars on the train for some reason. We moved 
very slowly and did not arrive in Baltimore till seven o'clock 
the following morning. The weather was fearfully hot and 
our position most distressing. As soon as we arrived, in com- 
pany with David, the general's brother, we went to an under- 
taker and had the body embalmed, carefully dressed, and en- 
closed in a heavy casket. The following day we took the re- 
mains to Port Kennedey, Pennsylvania, his father's home ; 
here we remained two days, a continuous crowd of people 
flocking in from all the surrounding country to view the re- 
mains. During this time Broom and I relieved each other in 
standing guard, and in answering a thousand curious ques- 
tions. In the meantime, the family received a telegram from 
the Mayor of New York City, asking that the remains be sent 
on to that city to receive a public funeral. The family con- 
senting, on the 7th of July, in a special car sent by the Mayor 
of New York City, the remains in our charge, together with a 
large funeral party, left for that place, where we were re- 
ceived on arrival, by a detachment of militia and several very 
gorgeous staff officers, who escorted the party to the city 
hall ; where the coffin was placed in the governor's room, and 
there remained until Monday, July 10th, visited by thousands 
of people. The room was heavily draped in mourning, and 
either Broom or I, together with a guard from the city militia, 
was always on duty. 

The city was in a terrible state of disorder. Incendiarism 
and rioting were rampant ; the city was on fire in many places ; 
negroes were hung to lamp posts, and everywhere lives and 
property were in danger, and the civil authorities temporarily 



250 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

helpless. Butler had been ordered from the front with his 
command, and the citizens were eagerly awaiting his advent, 
to stay the course of lawlessness. It is said to be" a draft riot, 
and really is a fire in our rear by the very considerable body of 
Copperheads who infest this fair city. 

In accordance with orders, as soon as the obsequies of 
General Zook were over, Broom and I reported to the military 
commander of the district, General Dix, when it was sug- 
gested as a mater of prudence we doff our uniforms. This 
seemed to us most astonishing, that the uniform which we sup- 
posed every man and woman, particularly just after such a 
great and magnificent battle, would delight in, should be a 
badge of disfavor, but as we had no citizens' clothing, we were 
obliged to confine ourselves to those parts of the city consid- 
ered least dangerous, which was most humiliating; however, 
we volunteered our services in case of necessity, left our ad- 
dress and retired. Mitchell very kindly sent us a twenty day 
leave of absence from General Warren, now in command of the 
Second corps, so we remained in town till the 27th. Butler 
soon arrived with a large force, which went into bivouac on 
the Battery, City Hall Park, and other open places, and the 
rioters were instantly brought under control. Guns were 
posted in various places sweeping the streets, and Butler's 
reputation was not of the sort the rioters and negro lynchers 
cared to trifle with. 

On the evening of the 27th, we bade good bye not reluc- 
tantly to civil life, and took the train for Washington, where 
we found that the Second corps was in camp near Warrenton, 
and so without loss of time took the military train, and on 
the evening of the 28th, arrived back in camp and reported 
to the headquarters of our old brigade, where we found my 
old friend, Colonel Frank, in command, and our horses and 
servants all glad to see us. 

Our staff appointments of course were vacated by the gen- 
eral's death, and we were simply regimental officers, not even 
entitled to our own horses ; we had however, scarcely time 
to think of that, when we received the following order, which 
gave us great contentment. 

Headquarters, ist Div., Second Corps, July 28, 1863. 
Special Order No. 691 : Lieutenant J. M. Favill, Fifty- 
seventh New York Infantry, late aide-de-camp to General 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 251 

Zook, is hereby appointed Judge Advocate of this division, 
and Lieutenant C. H. H. Broom, Fifty-seventh New York In- 
fantry, is hereby appointed acting aide-de-camp to the general 
commanding; these officers will report to the Adjutant Gen- 
eral at these headquarters for duty without delay. 

By order Brigadier-General J. C. Caldwell, 
Commanding Division. 

John Hancock A. A. General. 

General Caldwell is one of the most genial and accom- 
plished officers in the service, a scholar as well as soldier, 
and unusually amiable and affable in his manner. He received 
us very graciously and after many inquiries relating to Zook's 
death and funeral, said he was glad to welcome us into his 
military family, and hoped we should find it agreeable, and 
our new duties satisfactory. We subsequently reported to 
Major Hancock, the assistant adjutant general, and the fol- 
lowing morning moved bag and baggage up to division head- 
quarters. 

Our servants were very glad, having feared a return to the 
obscurity of regimental life, and Green and Kelly increased 
visibly in importance. 

The change from brigade to division headquarters under 
the circumstances, is a wonderful piece of good luck for us; 
the division staff is much larger and more important than that 
of a brigade, and the field of observation much enlarged. The 
general and entire staff mess together, and this is one of the 
features of General Caldwell's headquarters. He is sociable, 
interesting, and an excellent conversationalist, and makes the 
hours of meals a genuine interchange of ideas on every variety 
of subject, save only those of an official character, which are 
rigidly excluded. No shop, as the staff call it, being permitted. 
There are some bright fellows here, many of them full of wit 
and fun, others very learned, and most of them with some par- 
ticular claim to distinction. I was assigned to the tent of 
Captain James G. Derrickson, Sixty-sixth New York, now 
ordnance officer, and we soon become fast friends. He is about 
my own age, tall, active, intelligent, well educated, and most in- 
genuous, singularly good natured, he enjoys getting himself 
into all sorts of ridiculous situations, to his own confusion, and 
the amusement of the crowd. He and I have infinite fun in 
our encounters of wit, and when not otherwise occupied of an 



2 52 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

afternoon, visually collect a small crowd under our awning 
to enjoy the fun. He is fastidious in his tastes, and as honor- 
able as any Knight of the famous Round Table. 

The chief-of-stafY, John Hancock, brother of General Han- 
cock, is an agreeable and accomplished officer, exceedingly 
pleasant to the officers of the staff, and one of the ablest ad- 
jutants in the corps. Lieutenant Alvord, the general's chief 
aide-de-camp, is a handsome, dashing New Yorker, full of fun 
and cordiality. Captain Hobart, the provost-marshal, is not 
handsome, but one of the best fellows, and a gallant and excel- 
lent soldier. Captain Wilson, the mustering officer, is a brother 
of Mrs. Governor Curtin, of Pennsylvania, and is noted for his 
abilities and gallant conduct in many fights. 

The surgeon of the division, Doctor R. Cresson Stiles, is 
a graduate of Yale, and half a dozen European universities 
besides ; is very learned, very accomplished, and a noted sur- 
geon. He took an interest in me from the first, and is fre- 
quently in my quarters ; an expert horseman, swordsman, and 
pistol shot, active and young, he loves to dash across the coun- 
try and get away from camp. We began to fence and shoot 
together immediately, which soon brought in the others, till 
finally all hands fenced and shot an hour or so every day. 

I entered upon the duties of division judge advocate imme- 
diately, and soon became fascinated. All courts martial sitting 
in the division, are detailed and organized through my office. 
I make the selection of officers and the adjutant general details 
them. We have now three courts in operation, one of which 
I serve as judge advocate. In this, the principal court, cases 
of commissioned officers and capital cases of enlisted men are 
tried, the proceedings of all cases tried in the other courts are 
submitted to me for review, and are then transmitted by me, 
with notations, to the general commanding, for ultimate ac- 
tion. It is surprising how many delinquents there are in the 
army. The Irish brigade is a great sinner in this respect. 

In my court we sit from 10 a. m. till 2 or 3 p. m., holding 
the court in a large hospital tent. The duty of a judge advo- 
cate is much like that of a district attorney. He prosecutes 
for the Government, but at the same time is bound to see the 
prisoner's rights are not interfered with. We have our text 
books and regulations to guide us, and in the absence of spe- 
cial instructions, follow the custom of common law or common 
sense. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 253 

There are many cases of desertion, especially of bounty 
and drafted men and in order to keep the army together it is 
indispensable to resort to the most severe punishment. In this 
camp we tried and found two private soldiers guilty of deser- 
tion, and sentenced them to be shot. The sentences were ap- 
proved by the general commanding the army (which in capital 
cases is necessary) and was very shortly afterwards carried 
into effect. 

A military execution is a very solemn and impressive 
pageant. The doomed man marches to his own funeral, to the 
solemn music of the band, in presence of the whole command. 
In the two cases mentioned above, the utmost pomp and dis- 
play was made, to render the executions as impressive as pos- 
sible. The whole division paraded in full dress, and in column 
of division, marched upon the ground following the pris- 
oner, led by the band, playing the "Dead march" in Saul. A 
squad of men from the provost guard immediately followed, 
then four men carrying the coffin on their shoulders, with the 
prisoner walking close behind, his buttons and regimental in- 
signia stripped from his clothing ; a few files of men with mus- 
kets loaded, and bayonets fixed, marched directly in rear of 
him, the firing party under command of the provost marshal. 
Then follows with arms reversed, the entire command, march- 
ing in step to the solemn cadence of the music. Arriving upon 
the field, the troops form three sides of a square, while the 
band, prisoner and provost guard march directly forward to 
the unoccupied side of the square, halting before a grave al- 
ready dug. The bands wheel out of line, the bearers of the 
coffin place it on the ground, close by the new made grave, the 
prisoner is marched up and seated on the coffin, while the fir- 
ing party halt a few paces in rear. Then the adjutant general 
advances and reads the proceedings of the trial, the sentence, 
and the confirmation of the general-in-chief. Immediately after- 
wards the prisoner is blindfolded, still sitting on his coffin, 
and the command is given to "Aim ! Fire !" and the lifeless body 
of the unfortunate soldier falls over, invariably dead. It is 
certainly an awful and solemn duty, yet necessary for the 
safety of the forces. The execution over, the bands strike up 
a lively air, and at a quick step the troops march back to their 
camps. 

The present position of the division is on the Edwards 



254 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

farm, Morrisville, Fauquier County, and is delightfully situ- 
ated. We have never remained inactive in the summer season 
so long before, and greatly enjoy the freedom and comfort of 
not being too close to the enemy. The country seems better 
than most places we have seen heretofore, certainly an im- 
provement on the neighborhood of Fredericksburg and Alex- 
andria. To the north and northeast, the highest peaks of the 
Blue Ridge are visible, which adds to the picturesqueness of 
the view. The land is as usual poorly cultivated and there 
are no fruit trees, which seems curious in so pleasant a climate ; 
of course there are no fences, they having long ago disappeared 
in camp fires. 

Our, daily routine is an excellent breakfast eaten al fresco, 
whilst the best of bands discourse sweet music, followed by 
half an hour's chat, then comes the gallop, a few minutes' pistol 
practice, and then to work, each one of us at our respective 
duties. My court sits at 10 a. m., there being no clerks allowed 
in the court room, I am obliged to take down the evidence my- 
self, which I do very rapidly and very illegibly; after the ses- 
sion is over, the clerks take charge of the scrawls, and by the 
following morning the proceedings are all in handsome form, 
engrossed and ruled according to regulations. Dinner about 
2 p. m. and no further duty as a rule for the day, and so we 
go off on expeditions, get up horse races, hurdle jumping, 
fencing matches, and when it is very hot, sit under the awnings 
and enjoy a battle of wits. Sometimes we have a division 
review, then there is plenty of riding and plenty of fun. 

Broom has been assigned to the duty in which above all 
others he excells, caterer for the mess, and he is entirely com- 
petent and in his proper element. He has infinite resources of 
persuasion and cheek, and all his other duties are subservient 
to this important function. Besides his aptitude for this sort 
of thing, he is a typical gentleman sport and horseman, very 
good looking, weighs about two hundred pounds, with a hearty 
manner, and is quite irresistible. 

August 15th, 1863. 

So hot to-day that none but necessary duties have been 
ordered. Palm leaf fans were in demand, and most of the day 
we lay upon our beds under the awnings, in very primitive 
attire, making industrious use of them. There is little of mili- 
tary interest to note. Lee apparently is resting from his labors, 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 255 

and we are doing the same, besides trying to do something to 
fill up the old regiments. Several of them have been ordered 
home to see if their renown will not be an inducement for 
men to join them. Crosses's old regiment, the Fifth New 
Hampshire, is amongst them. Volunteers are not to be had now 
in any number, and these big bounty men and substitutes are 
not worth having, as they very generally desert the first chance 
they get. It is too bad the enthusiasm should have waned so 
seriously. Our armies in the last two months have won great 
victories. Gettysburg with nearly twenty thousand loss to the 
enemy. Vicksburg said to be thirty thousand, and two hun- 
dred guns, Port Hudson a couple of thousand men, besides 
minor affairs, aggregating a tremenduous reduction in the 
enemy's force, and immense loss of territory. If we could just 
get enough men to bring the old regiments up to their original 
strength, the war would soon be ended. 

About 12 m. orders came from corps headquarters to issue 
three days' rations, and have the troops in readiness for an 
immediate movement. 

August 16th. Sunday morning, immediately after break- 
fast, four officers were detailed from the staff to inspect the 
several brigades, notice of which had been given to their com- 
manders. I was ordered to the Irish brigade, Colonel Kelly 
commanding, a painstaking, competent, and excellent officer. 
I followed my instructions closely, and made the most critical 
inspection of arms, accoutrements, contents of knapsacks, and 
of the three days' supply of rations supposed to be in the men's 
haversacks, subsequently of company quarters. I was sur- 
prised to find the brigade in such excellent condition, and made 
a very favorable report ; after the inspection I accepted an invi- 
tation to the colonel's quarters, and was regaled with cham- 
pagne and fine cigars ; there were, of course, all the regimental 
commanders present and we had an agreeable half hour. They 
are a brilliant lot of soldiers, and jolly boon companions. 

The supply of three days' rations was kept up until the 
20th, when orders were received to prepare to march at once. 
Tents were struck, wagons loaded, and all made ready ; towards 
afternoon heard some firing in the distance on our left, but 
got no particulars. 

August 21st. Remained on the alert all night; this morn- 
ing received orders to pitch tents again and to resume camp 



25 6 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

duties, which was done immediately and all became calm, pleas- 
ant, and delightful. 

August 25th. Received a telegram through army head- 
quarters from Charleston, announcing a great victory there; 
we hope its utter destruction draws very near. On the 28th 
two more deserters were shot; both men were bounty jump- 
ers and deserved their fate. 

One of the beautiful features of a soldier's life in active 
service is the love engendered for the flag, the symbol of what 
we fight for. In time it becomes to the regiment a fetish, 
and it would be ashamed of any of its men who would hesi- 
tate to go to its rescue, if it was certain death to do so, and I 
have yet to see a man of that sort. I have frequently seen 
tears come into the men's eyes when the flag was waved aloft, 
and it is pleasant to think that there are at least in the army 
any number of men whom the Roman axiom, "dulcet et de- 
corum est pro patria mourior," is still applicable. 

During the afternoon of this day, orders were received 
to hold the division in light marching order, with three days' 
rations ; we hear the enemy have sent a couple of gunboats 
up the Rappahannock, and that Kilpatrick, with his cavalry 
division, is moving down upon them. We were to march in 
support in case of emergency. It seems a novel proposition to 
attack ships with cavalry, but the Dutch fleet in January, 1794, 
was actually captured by Hussars of the French Republic, and 
so perhaps in these modern times we may be permitted to 
capture gunboats. 

August 31st. Reveille at break of day. Immediately after 
breakfast the division fell in, leaving its tents standing, and 
marched to Bank's ford, halted there a short time, and then 
advanced to the United States ford, and bivouacked there in 
the woods, entirely out of sight. Headquarters were estab- 
lished about a small old stone house, and here we had a lot of 
sport, no enemy being near, and every one in fine spirits on 
account of getting out of camp. Various games were indulged 
in throughout the whole command, the division staff not ex- 
cepted. 

In the evening the staff gathered in the house, servants 
spread the blankets on the floor, and lying upon them, there 
being no furniture besides a rickety old table, we exercised 
our wits. I don't know why so many fairly sensible creatures 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 257 

should suddenly lose their senses, but in this case, at least in 
the general's opinion, they certainly did. The fun grew fast and 
furious, finally, the party divided itself into two equal parts, 
and agreed to attack and defend the room. Accordingly 
one half of the men went out while the other half remained 
inside to conduct the defense. Doctor Stiles, Derrickson, 
Hobart, the First brigade quartermaster, and myself, formed 
the garrison. Stiles was stationed at the door, Derrickson 
and Hobart each defended a window, whilst the quarter- 
master and I carried supplies of ammunition, reinforced 
the weakest spots, and generally kept our eyes open. Stones, 
logs of wood, iron pots, and sundry other missiles came 
flying through the windows. We put out the light to hide 
our strategy, hung blankets over the windows, and spared 
nothing in the proper defense of the place. The windows 
were quickly battered in and then came pails of water fol- 
lowed by showers of flour and corn meal. Derrickson, Stiles, 
and Hobart were soon plastered from head to foot, but were 
so intent upon avoiding the heavier ordnance of stones and 
dinner pots that little heed was paid to flour or water; as the 
siege progressed the beleaguered garrison were at their wits' 
end for material, and Stiles, who by this time was as serious as 
the famous Don Quixote of happy memory, finding the door 
about to give away, drew his pistol and emptied it into the 
angle nearest the attacking force. The illusion was instantly 
dispelled and hostilities ceased at once. The general was 
aroused and ordered us immediately to bed, on pain of arrest. 
When the outs were admitted, they were unable to control 
themselves for laughter over our pitiable appearance ; we were 
covered with flour and meal and the room in which we all 
proposed to sleep, was a scene of utter desolation. It took the 
combined force of servants an hour to make it fit for sleeping 
in, and at least another hour was necessary to make ourselves 
presentable. 

No member of this staff will soon forget the gunboat expe- 
dition. The cavalry succeeded, I think, in destroying both the 
boats, and on the fourth of September we marched back to 
camp, starting at 6 a. m. 

The country around Morrisville is invested with guerillas, 
and if an officer or enlisted man chances to stray beyond 
the picket line, he is certain of being captured. Many men 



258 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

have thus been taken prisoners and report says, some of 
them murdered. In many cases where the officers have 
made the acquaintance of families living just outside the 
lines, and have supplied them with food and stores, they have 
accepted invitations to spend an evening, and in several cases 
have been captured by these guerrillas, who are the friends or 
relations of the people, and are kept informed by them of all 
that goes on in the neighborhood ; several men, too, have been 
betrayed in the very act of carrying supplies, none of the na- 
tives can be trusted as a rule, and stringent orders have been 
issued to keep within the lines. 

September 12th. Since the gunboat expedition in which 
the doctor distinguished himself so preeminently, nothing of 
importance has ocurred. The weather is superb and the health 
of the officers and men excellent. 

Our headquarters are about the house of Doctor Cooper, 
a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, who for some 
unknown reason, has not been drafted into the Confederate 
army although distinctly rebellious in his views. Amongst 
the inmates of his home are his wife and three young women, 
none of whom interest me, but Wilson and Hobart find a good 
deal of amusement with two of them, and pay them much at- 
tention, taking them out riding, etc. We sleep in our tents, but 
eat in the house, the doctor's wife presiding with much dignity 
the mess, furnishing the food, the cooks, waiters, and many of 
the appointments. We feed the entire family, which is a great 
thing for them, as they have nothing left of their own, and 
Broom furnishes the mess luxuriously. 

For the first time since the cavalry expedition, we heard 
cannonading; it was on the right and quite vigorous. About 
five o'clock orders were received to prepare everything for the 
march to-morrow morning; it seems really too bad to leave 
this delightful spot, but life on active service is most un- 
certain. 

September 13th. Tents were struck, wagons loaded and 
at ten o'clock the entire corps marched for Bealton Station. 
The day was frightfully hot and several men were sunstruck, 
two or three of whom died. It is reported that Longstreet's 
corps has been detached from Lee's army and sent to assist 
in fighting Rosecrans and that we are to demonstrate, to en- 
tice him back, or possibly take advantage of his absence. This 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 259 

I think doubtful. Towards evening the sky became overcast, 
and a most refreshing shower cooled the air and revived the 
drooping men. We marched, I think, only about seven miles, 
then went into bivouac two miles below the station. 

September 14th. Weather dull and wet. At 8 a. m. fell 
in and marched to the Rappahannock, crossed the river on 
pontoon boats at 9 a. m. and marched directly for Culpeper, 
where the cavalry had been fighting all day long a sort of 
running fight. We passed over the principal battle ground, but 
saw only a few dead horses and no men. Broom, with his 
usual appreciation of comfort, selected a fine mansion as head- 
quarters, and while the rest of us put the troops in position 
for the night, he devoted himself to getting dinner ready, tak- 
ing care to plant the division flag by the gate post, to let us 
know where to find him. Tents were pitched in the yard under 
some fine old trees, and the large drawing rooms appropriated 
as the general rendezvous; the house belongs to a Mr. Wallach, 
said to be the editor of a Washington paper, and is in charge 
of his daughter and a half dozen female former slaves ; the 
daughter is a bright, handsome young woman of eighteen or 
twenty years, and carries herself superbly, serene and undis- 
turbed. In the parlor everything indicates wealth and culture, 
while the large hall is lined with books, very miscellaneous in- 
deed, but a genuine treasure to a hungry book lover. This 
young lady has an eye to business, as well as the fascinations 
of social life, and soon induced the accommodating general to 
order guards over her barns, fences, and various properties, 
her retinue of female servants in the meantime exercising" 
such potent fascinations over our cooks and servants that they 
secured the complete stocking of their larder for weeks to come 
from the abundance of Uncle Sam's commissary. In the even- 
ing, after a good dinner in the front yard, we all went into the 
parlors, where the young lady was on hand to receive us, 
and spent a delightful evening. She is very fascinating, per- 
fectly at ease, and brilliant as a dewdrop on a summer morn. 
She sat down to the piano and sang several songs, most of 
them very rebellious, with considerable skill, receiving, of 
course, immense flattery, but maintained her dignity and gra- 
cious behavior throughout, and an observer would have taken 
us for intimate friends, on a perfect footing of equality. We 
sang many war and college songs, and did our best to enter- 



2 6o DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

tain her. At twelve o'clock she retired and left us to our own 
resources. 

The cavalry fight was between General Pleasanton, com- 
manding Bufort, Gregg and Kilpatrick's divisions, and the 
rebel General Stuart ; our cavalry met them near Brandy Sta- 
tion, and in a succession of brilliant charges drove them 
through the town, capturing three guns and one hundred 
men. Pleasanton followed them over Cedar Mountain, near 
the Rapidan, and then went into bivouac. Our corps was 
ordered here in support, in case of a reverse to the cavalry 
force. 

September 15th. The fascinations of our charming young 
hostess, together with the large collection of books and music, 
were so tempting that most of us spent the whole morning in 
the house ; such a state of happiness for the Bold Soldier Boy 
was not likely to last long, of course, and we were determined 
to make the most of it, but at noon we were ordered into a 
defensive position, and fate compelled us to take a hasty leave, 
and so bidding good bye to our fair hostess, we reluctantly 
mounted our horses and rode away. 

The division moved forward about three miles south of 
the town and formed in line of battle along the high ground. 
The enemy, however, did not show up, and after standing all 
day about the line, the troops were ordered to bivouac for the 
night. Broom found another house suitable for headquarters, 
but it was abandoned and there was no fair lady on hand to 
weave a web of romance and make it attractive. 

September 16. At ten o'clock this morning the division 
marched southwest to the Rapidan river, soon coming in sight 
of the enemy on the high mountain ground on the left, con- 
testing the advance of our cavalry force. Towards evening 
we witnessed a splendid artillery duel on the mountain side, 
under cover of which the enemy withdrew to the other side 
of the river; went into bivouac in the woods, a wretchedly 
swampy place. 

September 17th. This is the anniversary of the battle of 
Antietam; another year of constant campaigning has gone, 
and still the war lasts. Will it ever end? This is our third 
year of fighting, and much of the romance of early days has 
faded away. 

Our comrades continually drop by the wayside, causing 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 261 

many changes, some of which are not so agreeable, but we are 
still firm of purpose and sanguine of our ability to conquer in 
the end. General Meade, who has been in command of the 
army since just before Gettysburg, is a very careful officer, not 
thought to possess any great merit as a general, and has none 
of the dash and brilliancy which is necessary to popularity. It 
seems likely we shall be led in a plodding, ordinary sort of 
way, neither giving nor receiving any serious blows, a great 
pity. At 9 a. m. the division crossed Cedar and Slaughter 
mountains, a distance of about seven miles, and then biv- 
ouacked for the night. 

September 18th. The corps remained in position, watching 
the enemy, who are in position on the southern side of the 
Rapidan and are strongly fortified; they are in full view and 
evidently confident of holding their own. It is more pictur- 
esque here than any part of the country we have seen since the 
South Mountain range. The fields in the valley below us, at 
the base of the mountains, are full of standing corn, which af- 
fords good food for the horses, and an occasional dish for our- 
selves. As it appeared we were to remain a few days, we 
selected a house as headquarters, near the base of Garnett's 
mountain, and put up our tents around it ; we never sleep in 
houses when our tents come up, but frequently eat in them. 
They serve as a landmark to make the headquarters conspicu- 
ous, and in rainy days are comfortable to lounge in. During 
the night it rained hard, and to-day the ground is a quagmire. 
I am much troubled with eczema, brought on by exposure, and 
these wet, cold days aggravate it seriously. I shall have to go 
to the rear unless the doctors are more successful than they 
have been. The natives call this section the Orange range, 
Clark's Peak being the highest point. It is occupied now by 
our signal corps, is very conspicuous and commands an ex- 
tended view of the country. 

About ten o'clock in the evening the general requested 
me to go to the picket line, and see if Colonel Miles, the com- 
mander First brigade, on duty there, had any news of the 
enemy. This meant a most disagreeable ride of over a mile, 
through swamps and woods, and required some nice engineer- 
ing in the dark, to steer a course to avoid running into the 
enemy. When I left the general's tent, Stiles called me into 
his quarters and volunteered to go along, and so buckling on 



262 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

a cavalry sabre, he ordered his horse, and we rode off together 
into the pitch darkness. After a dreary tramp through a dis- 
mal, swampy wood, and much manoeuvering to keep within 
our own picket lines, we stumbled on Miles and his staff, sit- 
ting around a little sickly fire, investigating the contents of 
several large jugs, found in one of the deserted houses on the 
picket line. They had just concluded it was wine of some sort 
and referred the matter to the doctor for confirmation. Stiles 
immediately tasted it, and finding it the right thing, we all 
pitched in and gave it a thorough trial, in the meantime get- 
ting the history of events on the picket line. We spent over an 
hour with the colonel, chatting about the situation and then 
returned, leisurely jogging along through the mud and water 
quite contentedly. The doctor's canteen was in frequent re- 
quest, and so refreshed our spirits that we sang a song and 
continued all the way home very merrily. 

September 22d. General Caldwell took us all along and 
climbed Clark's Peak this morning, and from the signal sta- 
tion we saw a very pretty cavalry skirmish. There was some 
artillery firing, which in the mountains makes a thousand 
echoes. During the evening two deserters from the enemy 
were brought in to headquarters, a sergeant and a private. 
They declared themselves sick of the Confederacy and war, 
and wished to be sent to the rear. 

September 24th. The weather has greatly improved and 
is now superb. Derrickson and I availed ourselves of it this 
morning, and started in for a great treat. We found in the 
barn attached to the house an old Rockaway carriage and set 
of double harness, and conceived the brilliant idea of taking 
a drive. After slight repairs made to the wagon by a battery 
blacksmith, we hitched up Derrickson's sorrel and my gray, 
and to the envy of the whole command, started off. My horse 
had evidently not been used to harness, or had forgotten all 
about it in his long military career, and jumped and reared 
and danced, much to the amusement of the crowd. By a good 
deal of management we finally got started, and for half a mile 
or more sped over the ground in great style, when the gray 
made a sudden bolt, upset the wagon, and pitched us both out. 
The wagon was broken, so we had to lead the horses home and 
send our men to fetch the wagon. We concluded in the future 
to go on horseback, and leave wagons fof civilians, country- 
men and women. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 263 

My general court is in session every day ; a hospital tent 
furnishes the accommodation, and from ten till two o'clock 
daily justice is dispensed without fear, favor, or prejudice. 

Two cases of desertion have been tried since we have been 
here, one of them attracting much attention on account of the 
prisoner's youth. Private Adam Smally, Company E, Sixty- 
sixth New York, deserted just before the battle of Gettysburg. 
After his capture he admited his guilt, but seemed to think 
nothing of it. My court tried him and found him guilty and 
sentenced him to death. He pleaded guilty, nevertheless I 
introduced evidence to prove conclusively his guilt, and sub- 
sequently, at my request, the general appointed a board of sur- 
geons to consider his mental condition. I was disappointed 
when they declared him responsible, for he is so young it seems 
a pity to shoot him. I am sorry now I did not use my influ- 
ence with the court to modify the sentence. 

October 2d. What a dismal day it has been. It commenced 
raining last night and has poured down in torrents ever since. 
No drills in this camp, nor reviews so far. It seemed very 
strange to me when I first joined this staff to have so little to 
do with the troops; the higher one goes the less he has to do 
with the men. 

October $th. Weather improved and roads drying up. A 
division of the Sixth corps is to relieve us to-day, and we re- 
tire to the rear. There is considerable activity on the part of 
the enemy, and the signal officer reports long trains of wagons 
moving to the rear, which may indicate a fall campaign. 

October gth. At 6 a. m., Oetober 6th, we broke camp and 
fell back by the way of Culpeper. At 12 m. halted about a mile 
and a half on the north side of the town, with headquarters on 
a high bluff on the edge of a piece of woods, the view from 
which is magnificent; weather, roads, and temperature all to 
our liking. The troops are carrying eight days' rations, 
wagons are packed, and everything indicates an early move. 
The enemy is in motion, closely watched by our signal officers, 
and there is no doubt we shall hear from them soon. While 
the court was in session this morning, waiting for a belated 
member, orders were received to march at once, and so we 
adjourned the court sine die. 

Very curiously there are no general officers in the division 
now, except its commander. The first brigade, formerly How- 



2 6 4 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

ard's and Caldwell's, is now commanded by Colonel Miles. 
The Second brigade, formerly Meagher's Irish brigade, has 
long been commanded by the senior colonel present for duty. 
The Third, too, since Zook's death, falls to the lot of the senior 
regimental commander, for the time being, and the Fourth is 
still commanded by Brooke, for whom it was created. It seems 
strange some of these officers are not promoted, so that they 
may enjoy the rank and pay to which their actual commands 
entitle them. So, too, it is with almost all of the staff; they 
are simply acting staff officers, performing the duties but not 
receiving the pay, and by retaining their regimental rank de- 
prive other officers of promotion, who must do their duty. I 
suppose the Government finds the war expensive and intends 
carrying it on as economically as possible. 

About noon tents were struck and the command marched 
some four miles to the rear, leaving Culpeper to the left, the 
enemy following and making considerable demonstration. We 
found the bulk of the army massed here, and were just about 
putting up our tents, when the whole command was ordered 
to fall back on Bealton Station, where we arrived at 5 p. m. 
and bivouacked for the night. From present indications it 
looks as though we were going to fall back over the old his- 
toric Bull Run ground and avoid a general engagement; pos- 
sibly it is strategy, and we may come out ahead. Weather cool 
and roads in fine order; marched in all about fifteen miles 
to-day. 

October 12th. 11 a. m. The division marched to the river, 
recrossed, and formed in line of battle on its north side; the 
Third and Sixth corps also formed in line. The enemy fol- 
lowed us, demonstrating in a threatening manner, so a cavalry 
force, supported by infantry, advanced and hustled them back 
in fine style to Brandy Station, giving them more fight than 
they expected. After dark the division bivouacked for the 
night, but at 1 a. m. received orders to fall back on Auburn 
Mills. It seems the enemy are trying their utmost to get in 
rear of us, hence the necessity for prompt action. All the 
troops on the north side of the river rapidly crossed over, and 
the bridges were taken up. Our division marched out on the 
Fayettsville road, halting at its junction with the road running 
to Sulphur Springs for rest at noon. The enemy showed him- 
self in force on both flanks, as well as rear, and we were fre- 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 265 

quently obliged to stop and drive him back; the very head of 
the column, a brigade of the Third division, was fired into by 
a squadron of cavalry, so it is necessary to keep the trains sur- 
rounded by troops, and everything well in hand ; arrived near 
Auburn Mills at sunset after a weary march of over twenty 
hours, and bivouacked alongside the road in the woods, the 
troops being too fatigued to form in regular order and the 
general thinking it just as well to occupy the road. 

A few hundred yards ahead the road descends a ravine 
near the mill, crosses the small stream, and mounts a very 
steep hill. Pickets were thrown out surrounding the entire 
force, but we did not look for any serious disturbance during 
the night. 

As soon as arms were stacked the troops prepared their 
supper, and soon afterwards were asleep. For once the general 
and staff slept right amongst the men for safety ; as the enemy 
were apparently ubiquitous, the general thought this a case 
where discretion was the better part of valor. 

About 10 p. m. it commenced raining, soaking us pretty 
well before we realized the condition of things ; when once 
awake, however, we soon arranged our rubber blankets for 
shelter and then turned in again. 

October 14th. The command sprang to arms without or- 
ders, at break of day, on hearing heavy picket firing on the 
right and rear, which we supposed entirely safe. We formed 
on the road, prepared to face either way, but presently moved 
forward, crossed the mill stream and formed in order of battle 
on the high open ground on that side of the stream. Here we 
had abundance of room, and open ground sloping gradually to 
the rear, for over a thousand yards where the woods inter- 
rupted the view. Arms were stacked and the troops dismissed 
for breakfast. An apple tree afforded the general an eligible 
spot to rest, and beneath its tangled moss grown branches we 
stretched ourselves upon the ground, watching the prepara- 
tions for breakfast. 

In the course of a few minutes the place was dotted with 
innumerable little camp fires, surrounded by picturesque 
groups of soldiers, and scores of pack and saddle horses turned 
loose to help themselves to grass. The crimson tinted foliage 
of an early October morn framed in the open ground, com- 
pletely enclosing a glorious picture of an army en bivouac. 



266 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

The graceful groups of men bending over the little fires, whose 
curling smoke ascended almost perpendiculary, the animals 
grazing in the fields, and the general appearance of content- 
ment and ease made a picture not to be forgotten. 

The general was so impressed by the scene that for a time 
he refused to take his breakfast. He christened the place 
Coffee Hill, and by this name our fellows will recognize it. 
As we lay on the grass, peacefully enjoying the situation, sud- 
denly a couple of shells came rushing through the air directly 
from the front, and burst amongst the men; one of them ex- 
ploded directly over a little fire, killing the four men outright 
who composed the group about it. Upon looking towards the 
front, we saw a couple of field guns blazing away with the 
utmost vigor. On the explosion of the shells, the pack and 
saddle horses took fright, and the serene, calm picture of a 
moment before was instantly metamorphosed into one of con- 
fusion. Luckily the position was entirely surrounded by a 
close picket line, which soon captured the flying horses and 
turned them back. 

Without loss of time the general ordered the Fifty-seventh 
and Sixty-sixth New York regiments, under Colonel A. B. 
Chapman, to try and capture the enemy's guns and on the 
double quick they crossed the field, but the rebels limbered up 
on their appearance and galloped off. They were a small cav- 
alry force not exceeding fifty men, and had opened fire, prob- 
ably out of pure deviltry. After this little disturbance, a de- 
tachment of pioneers buried the unfortunate four, and we 
finished our breakfast in peace and comfort. 

Our corps constitutes the rear guard of the army, and the 
First division the rear guard of the corps, consequently we are 
subject to the movements of the troops ahead. The rebels are 
making strenuous efforts to get in between us and the Bull 
Run stream, and the object of the army of the Potomac is to 
prevent them from doing so. Shortly after breakfast the 
enemy attacked the picket line, first in rear, then on our right, 
finally by a general fusilade from all sides, but it did not 
amount to anything and we easily drove them off. At 9 
a. m. the division fell in and continued the march towards Bull 
Run, passing Cattlet's Station ; here the troops took to the rail- 
road, the wagons and artillery keeping the ordinary road, which 
runs nearly parallel to it. Both flanks were covered by cavalry 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 267 

and a sharp lookout kept in every direction. As we neared 
Bristoe Station, artillery fire suddenly broke out directly in 
front, indicating that some of them at least, had got across our 
route. The general promptly ordered the column to close up, 
and taking the batteries of the division with him, rode to the 
front to take in the situation. I was directed to remain in 
rear and take charge of affairs there. In a few minutes aides 
came galloping over the fields, directed us to hurry forward, 
and two of our brigades at once moved on the double quick to 
the support of the Second division, then engaged. As we 
neared Bristoe Station, the ground in front became open, dis- 
closing the whole situation. Along the railroad embankment 
lay our second division, in rear of them at a considerable dis- 
tance, the Third division was in line, with one of its brigades 
across the tracks, the artillery occupying fine high ground in 
rear of all. From the left of the Second division for a consider- 
able distance, reaching to the wooded country, the railway is 
carried over a depression on a high embankment, along which 
our division marched, and on the side of which it immediately 
formed in line of battle as soon as it connected with the men 
of the Second division, thus making a continuous line, reaching 
on the right to Broad Run, where it rested. Heavy fighting 
was going on in front of the Third division and the batteries 
were firing over the men's heads at the rebel batteries, which 
were shelling our troops. From the frequent shifting of the 
rebel batteries we concluded they did not like our practice. 
Very shortly after this, the enemy deployed a brigade of in- 
fantry, which, giving the characteristic rebel yell, charged our 
line ; they were met with a volley that completely disconcerted 
them and they broke and ran away, leaving a great many of 
their men on the ground, General Hayes, whose brigade lay 
nearest them, immediately made a counter charge, capturing 
four hundred prisoners and five guns, his men drawing the lat- 
ter to the rear, the rebel gunners having managed to get away 
with their horses. I sat on horseback on the track, just at the 
edge of the woods, the extreme left of the division, watching 
the fighting ahead, while waiting for the pack horses, servants 
and doctors to pass below the embankment out of sight, when 
I suddenly noticed a regiment of rebel infantry standing 
in line of battle at an acute angle to the track, not more 
than a couple of hundred yards from where I stood. Very 



268 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

much surprised, I took out my glasses and concluded there 
were about six hundred of them. Evidently they did not 
see me and so I immediately rode down the embankment out 
of sight, and galloped over to the general, who was amongst 
the batteries, and telling him of the situation, asked for a sec- 
tion of guns to blow them up with, to which he consented, 
ordering Captain McClellan to detail them ; we moved to the 
edge of the woods under cover of the embankment, then 
through them so as not to be observed, and took a position close 
to the track exactly in line with the rebel regiment, which still 
stood in the same position. Both guns were loaded with can- 
nister, carefully sighted and discharged at once. What a col- 
lapse ! the quiet line of a moment before now flying in every 
direction. Many of them were killed and a number came 
into our line and were made prisoners; we were jubilant and 
the enemy disgusted. Soon after the capture of the guns, the 
enemy disappeared entirely, but our division remained in line 
till after dark, then continued the march, crossing Broad Run 
at 8 p. m. and the historic Bull Run at 3 a. m. in a dreadful 
rain storm, which lasted throughout the night and following 
day. The staff were worked excessively and after many hours 
in arranging the position, met together in the dripping woods, 
without shelter of any kind, the wagons of course having been 
sent ahead. After examining the ground ruefully enough, we 
finally lay down, getting as close together as posisble, for 
warmth, wrapped only in our rubber clothes. At daylight, 
when we turned out, the depression in the mud where I slept 
was full of water, and we were a sorry looking crowd; how- 
ever our servants made some coffee, begged a little hard tack 
from the men, and so, refreshing ourselves, were again ready 
for duty. 

October 16th. The enemy not showing up, a brigade of 
cavalry was sent across the run to investigate, and did not 
return until late at night. We remained in the same position 
all day. I suffered agonies from the eczema, which troubled 
me on account of the dampness and exposure, and the surgeon 
of the division directed me to apply for a sick leave, which I 
did the following day, October 17th, and for the first time in 
the history of the division I shall not participate in its move- 
ments ; but I made arrangements with one of my clerks to 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 269 

continue the daily noting of events, so that I can preserve the 
continuity of the campaign. 

The following order was issued on the sixteenth : 

Headquarters, Army of the Potomac. 

October 15, 1863. 
General Order No. 96: The Major-General commanding 
announces to the army that the rear guard, consisting of the 
Second corps, were attacked yesterday while marching by the 
flank. The enemy after a spirited contest, was repulsed, losing 
a battery of five guns, two colors, and four hundred and fifty 
prisoners. The skill and promptitude of Major General War- 
ren and the gallantry and bearing of the officers and soldiers 
of the Second corps are entitled to high commendation. 
By Command of Major-General Meade. 

S. Williams, A. A. General. 

October 19th, 1863. 

The enemy having withdrawn, preparations were made to 
recross the stream, and at 6 a. m. our division crossed and 
marched to Manassas Junction, where they halted for dinner, 
then continued the march to Bristoe Station, arriving at 5 p. m. 
and went into bivouac. We found the railroad destroyed, rails 
were taken up, heated, and twisted, telegraph wires torn down, 
and the bridge across Broad Run destroyed. 

October 20th. At sunrise again on the march over the 
well known ground near Auburn Mills, and encamped on 
Coffee Hill ; marched twenty-two miles to-day. 

October 23d. Left Auburn Mills at 7 a. m. to-day and 
marched towards Warrenton, bivouacking four miles north of 
it, at a place called Turkey Run bridge ; weather very fine, 
no enemy in sight. Remained in this position until November 
7th ; are laying the railroad, rebuilding bridges, putting up 
telegraph wires, etc. 

October 27th. Had a severe frost, forming ice half an inch 
thick. 

November Jih. At break of day the whole corps marched 
to Warrenton Junction, thence via Bealton Station and Mor- 
risville, to within three-quarters of a mile of Kelly's ford ; ar- 
rived there at 5 p. m. and went into bivouac for the night; 



270 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

marched twenty-one miles in the face of a frightful wind and 
blinding- clouds of dust heard heavy cannonading towards 
evening in front, where the cavalry are pushing the advance. 
Another battle supposed to be imminent. 

November 8th. At 7 a. m. the Second corps crossed the 
Rappahannock following the Third corps, which partially 
crossed yesterday and carried the heights, in spite of a good 
deal of opposition. The Sixth corps, General Sedgwick, 
crossed at Rappahannock Station, completely surprising the 
enemy, capturing a battery and eleven hundred prisoners. The 
Second corps formed line of battle and advanced to Berry 
Hill ; met with no resistance. Berry Hill is three miles south- 
east of Brandy Station. The men put up their tents, as the 
weather appeared very threatening. 

November 10th. A slight fall of snow during the night, 
the first of the season, which suggests a cessation of cam- 
paigning; at 3 p. m. the first division was ordered to encamp on 
the south side of Mountain Run and put up winter quarters. 
The order was received with unbounded satisfaction, as the 
season is late, the weather cold and the troops pretty well tired 
out. Division headquarters in the Hamilton house. 

November 12th. General Meade issued an order to-day 
congratulating the army on its successful crossing of the 
Rappahannock in the face of the enemy, and compelling them 
to withdraw behind the Rapidan, mentioning especially Sedg- 
wick, who captured four guns, two thousand stand of arms, 
eight battle flags, and sixteen hundred prisoners. 

Every man not needed for other duty was set to work 
building log huts, and in three days' time our division at least 
was snugly quartered. The huts were built to hold four men, 
covered with shelter tents, and provided with mud and wood 
fireplaces and chimneys. This is the second winter we have 
built 1^ ; huts, and the men are now completely an fait in their 
construction. 

November 26th. Yesterday to the intense disgust of all 
hands, orders were issued to prepare to march, and this morn- 
ing at daylight the whole command fell in and marched away, 
leaving their cozy huts, just finished, to whoever choose to 
take them. The column marched via Germania Ford, crossed 
the Rapidan and bivouacked for the night on the south side, 
near Flat Run Church. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 271 

November 2jth. Marched to Robertson's tavern, where a 
spirited engagement took place, lasting most of the day, re- 
sulting in driving the enemy back and occupying their ground ; 
bivouacked her all night. 

November 28th. Formed line of battle and marched for- 
ward, expecting to meet the enemy, but finding them gone, 
formed in column and closely followed their rear guard. Ap- 
proaching Mine Run the enemy were found occupying the 
high ground, entrenched with rifle pits ; we drove their pickets 
across the creek and lay in line of battle all night; the night 
was very cold and everybody suffered severely and was glad 
when daylight came, although the works were to be carried 
by assault. While the attack was being arranged, it was dis- 
covered the enemy had retired during the night, leaving us 
masters of the field. 

November 29th. Marched early this morning via Robert- 
son's tavern to the plank road leading to Orange court house, 
across which the division formed in line of battle ; a little skir- 
mishing followed, but did not amount to anything. 

November 30th. Under arms all day waiting orders; cold 
nights now make active service doubly severe. 

December 1st. During the night orders were received to 
recross the Rapidan and go into winter quarters, so the entire 
army marched back to the original spot selected for winter 
quarters, and to the delight of all, the huts were found intact. 
Thus ends the campaign of 1863. Active operations ceased, 
and all prepared to pass a comfortable winter. The camp is 
designated as near Stevensburg, Virginia, but there is no town 
so far as I can learn. 

I remained in New York taking su.phur baths, and received 
the special attention of several army surgeons, but recovered 
very slowly. On December 10th I returned to Washington, 
intending to join the army, but upon examination by an army 
surgeon, was declared unfit for service, and was detailed on 
court martial duty in Washington. The court broke up on 
the fifteenth, and at my own request, I was relieved from duty, 
and joined my command, now in winter quarters. I found 
division headc^ 'arters located amongst a lot of bushes, on low 
ground knee cLep in mud ; the general staff were under can- 
vas, not having commenced the erection of permanent quar- 
ters, and for a partially sick man the immediate outlook was 



2 7 2 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

not reassuring. The day after my arrival men were put to work 
to fix us up, and all the wall tents were mounted on framed 
logs made flat inside ,and fitted with fireplaces, chimneys, 
doors, and floors. We put up a bunk to accommodate two, 
had it filled with cedar branches, covered with blankets, and 
thus provided ourselves with a lovely bed. In the evening 
when the open fire was lighted, we were indeed comfortable 
and did not envy the richest man in the country. Our servants' 
tents were placed on logs, just in rear, within call, and the 
horses amply provided for, so we were thoroughly prepared for 
the winter. General Warren, who has been in command of the 
corps since Gettysburg, which I forgot to mention, is still in 
command, General Hancock not yet having recovered from the 
severe wound he received at Gettysburg. 



CHAPTER XVI 

CAMP AT STEVENSBURGJ SPRING CAMPAIGN 1864; BATTLE OF 
THE WILDERNESS, AND SPOTTSYLVANIA COURT HOUSE 

January 1, 1864. 

THE army is comfortably quartered in log huts, and horse 
racing, games, etc., are under full headway. The rebel 
army still confronts us as defiantly as ever, and is se- 
curely entrenched on the other side of the Rapidan. Who 
would have dreamed in '61, that those of us who started out 
to finish the war in the course of a three months' service, 
would still be in the field three years afterwards, with the 
task still unaccomplished ? Immense changes have occurred ; 
in the meantime we have had a vast experience in war and 
are no longer enthusiastic boys, but veteran soldiers, taught 
in the best of all military schools, actual service, in cam- 
paigns that have had no equal in modern times. 

Over one half of our original number has disappeared from 
the muster rolls ; killed in action ; died of wounds, of dis- 
ease, of fatigue and exposure, or perhaps resigned, unable 
to stand the constant shock of arms. This old state of Vir- 
ginia has become a vast cemetery, in which thousands of 
once bright and ambitious men belonging to the army of the 
Potomac now lie scattered in its shady nooks or somber woods, 
unmarked except by their bleaching bones and the accumu- 
lation of various parts of their accoutrements, which still lay 
rusting and rotting about them. Amongst the survivors, the 
excitement and enthusiasm of early days has long since passed 
away, but the resolve still remains, and until the work is done 
this army will never lay down its arms. 

Our daily life seems natural enough to most of us, and 
fighting battles and campaigning the ordinary routine of 
life. There is not much talk of the end of the war, and yet 
we know it cannot be so far away; still these people have 
fought so well, made such extraordinary good use of their 
limited resources and prolonged the contest so unexpectedly 
that one is loth to express any opinion respecting the ultimate 

273 



274 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

collapse. They will no doubt, fight to the death, in the last 
ditch, as they suggestively put it, and we shall have many 
more battles to fight, marches to make, and sacrifice of lives, 
before the end comes; but come it must, and this grand old 
army will surely one day parade to receive the submission 
of what is left of its great antagonist, then quietly disband 
never to meet again. 

January 6th. Our quarters, now completed, are extremely 
comfortable; they are wall tents set up on split logs, which 
raise the tent about two feet from the ground, and thus pro- 
vide for a fireplace made of mud and sticks, as is also the 
chimney. We have a bunk big enough for two, well filled 
with cedar branches, and to crown all, a real door fitted to 
the tent, so that we may be said to live in luxury. We have 
also a new band, this time a division band, and it is to be 
stationed at our own headquarters. Major John Hancock, 
the adjutant-general, organized it in Boston. It is led by 
Higgins, a superb musician, and is equipped with instruments 
which cost the officers of this division four thousand dollars. 

The prisoners have put up a large log house, in which the 
poor wretches will be tried. It is commodious, has an im- 
mense fireplace and pretty good roof, and we expect to hold 
our first session to-morrow and renew the dispensation of 
justice. The general takes great interest in military law and 
enjoys the exercise of his reviewing authority immensely. 
We usually go over the completed cases after dinner, when 
I give him all the information I possess. He is disposed al- 
ways to leniency, and as I am, too, the men in our division 
must be deserving of it, if they are severely punished. 

January 8th. General Hancock, who rejoined the corps a 
few weeks ago, went home to-day, not being able to stand the 
worry and fatigue of camp life. Warren takes over the com- 
mand again and is likely to remain with us all winter ; com- 
pared to Hancock, he is decidedly a light weight, although a 
good soldier and engineer officer, but lacks dignity and force 
of character. He is a great card player, and with certain of 
his staff spends most of his leisure time in playing. He is 
slight, dark, good looking, but dull and uninteresting. Gen- 
eral Hancock, being an ideal looking soldier, any one almost 
succeeding him must suffer, at least in our eyes, and this 
is to be remembered. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 275 

I received my commission as captain to-day with rank 
from September 23, 1863. We are all enthusiasm, preparing 
for a brilliant social season ; amongst other ventures we have 
started a newspaper; "Our Camp Journal," edited by Lieu- 
tenant L. D. Burch, Twenty-sixth Michigan, and it is to 
appear every week. Local matters, of course, will be its 
chief resource, but the lieutenant is bright and proposes to 
review the general situation whenever in the mood. To show 
the ability of the writer and the range of subjects, I shall 
transcribe a few of the leading articles. Here is his first gun, 
"Speaking of the army of the Potomac. If there is one army 
of this half century, to which posterity will accord greater 
honor than to any other it is the army of the Potomac. There 
is not an army of history even that may produce a record 
of so many great battles, so much loss of life and limb, so 
many rapid, extended and fatiguing marches, and such ex- 
treme trials of human endurance as this same Potomac army. 
The Potomac army has been opposed from first to last by the 
choicest troops of the confederacy, under command of men 
confessedly its ablest generals, and indeed among the best of 
their time." 

"It is generally conceded that Virginia troops have given 
the most stubborn resistance to our advance of any in the 
rebel service. Besides this, the Potomac army has fought an 
army always its equal ; generally, its superior in numbers, with 
the vast advantage of a defensive warfare in a region made 
up of the strongest natural defenses to be found upon the 
continent. 

"An officer of high rank recently from the Western army, 
on a visit to the Second corps, remarked in our hearing: 'I 
am only surprised that an army invading such a country has 
not been wholly destroyed. These jungles of pines, cedars, 
and brambles, bottomless roads, interminable ranges of hills, 
with an endless succession of rivers and "runs," which make 
up the topography of Virginia, render even ordinary military 
resistance hard to be overcome ; and then, too, it has repeatedly 
been forced by the inexorable demands of an excited, half 
frenzied, and exacting public opinion, to fight the enemy in 
his stronghold, against the judgment of its commanders. 

" 'Their first movements have resulted in unfortunate fail- 
ures, out of which came many criticisms, calumnies, and in- 



276 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

dignities from the press, the rostrum, and the public, not to 
say the people, but in the midst of which the noble army has 
marched on, fought on, and suffered on, through a succession 
of campaigns, such as would blot from the map of Europe 
half its old principalities and powers, still unshaken in its 
faith in the final triumph of our arms, still unshorn of its 
strength to fight and win the battles of other campaigns. 

" 'Fighting on the vast plains of the West, with the advan- 
tages equally distributed, is quite a different thing from dis- 
lodging an enemy from a chain of continuous natural and 
artificial defenses, covering an area of sixty thousand square 
miles. For the present, we are content to believe in the men 
and their leaders, who upon the plain of Gettysburg fought 
and won the grandest battle of the century, saved the fortunes 
of the republic, and are calmly watching and waiting by the 
Rapidan the coming of their last campaign.' ' : 

January ioth. The officers of corps and division head- 
quarters are determined to have a gay winter and are making 
great exertions to this end. Under the direction of Major 
Hancock, our division is branching out prodigiously. Within 
the lines was found an abandoned saw mill, much dilapidated, 
but still susceptible of repairs. The major conceived the 
brilliant idea of fitting it up, felling the forest trees, sawing 
them into boards and timber, and building a large hall for 
music, dancing, and other amusements. As officers are al- 
lowed to invite ladies to camp, and almost every commanding 
officer has some of them, this seems an excellent thing to do. 
In response to a circular sent to regimental commanders 
asking for men familiar with sawmills, several Maine regi- 
ments offered many more than were needed ; so we ordered a 
saw from Washington, kegs of nails, etc., and put as many 
men to work as could do so to advantage. We planned and 
built a building 80x40, with two immense fireplaces on 
one side large enough to take in logs ten feet long. In the 
course of two weeks the whole thing was completed, deco- 
rated handsomely with evergreens, flags, guidons, various kinds, 
of small arms, drums, etc., and was ready for occupancy. 
This palace of Mars became the center of the social hospitality 
of the Second corps and lectures, concerts, dinners, and dances 
followed each other in rapid succession. 

The ladies are in ecstasies, bewildered by the immense at- 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 277 

tention they received, and dazzled by the splendors of a mili- 
tary camp. Every officer is devoting himself, his horses, and 
his servants to their comfort and thus they are in a measure 
repaid for their long, anxious hours of expectancy during 
active operations. 

January 20th. General Warren and the officers of his 
staff are projecting a ball at corps headquarters for the even- 
ing of February 22d, Washington's birthday. It is to be the 
occasion of a grand military display, and all the notables of 
the country are to be invited to make it an epoch in the annals 
of the army of the Potomac. 

January 23d. Our sawmill has been set in motion again, 
and scores of men are busily engaged felling trees and saw- 
ing them into boards for the great building to be put up at 
corps headquarters. It will be 90x60 and decorated in- 
ternally, similarly to ours, in the most artistic manner. Broom 
has been commissioned to take entire charge of the supper, 
wines, etc., and will be certain to make that part of the propo- 
sition a success. Wilson, of our staff, whose sister is the 
wife of Governor Curtin of Pennsylvania, has invited that 
lady and as large a party of young ladies as she can collect 
to become our guests for two or three weeks. She has ac- 
cepted and in consequence we are making great preparations 
for their reception. The general's wife is coming, too ; Al- 
vord's pretty sister from New York and several of the other 
officers' wives, so we shall soon be full of women. How 
curious it will seem, and how correct we shall have to be in 
our habits. For three years no woman has been at our head- 
quarters, and it seems almost incredible that at last we are 
to have a fashionable and beautiful bevy, all to ourselves. 

February 4th. The great hall grows rapidly and is going 
to be a fine affair. The notables throughout the land have 
generally accepted invitations. A special train will be run 
from Washington, and all army circles are on the very tip 
toe of expectation. At our headquarters the tents are deco- 
rated with evergreens, sabres, swords, pistols, etc. ; we have 
remade the beds with the softest of cedars and put every- 
thing in order for the reception of our guests, who will soon 
come along. Our plan is to give up our quarters to the ladies 
and take shelter in the great hall ourselves after the festivities 
of the evening are over. We have portable bunks made for 



278 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

this purpose and our men will put them up after the floors are 
deserted. There will be two girls in each tent, except that 
Alvord's is to he devoted to his sister alone. Major Hancock, 
Captain Martin, and the general each will have their wives 
with them, and Mrs. Curtin will have a whole tent to herself 
and maid. 

All interest centering in the army, of course, it is im- 
mensely popular, and the ladies write most enthusiastically of 
the coming visit; every woman in the land has taken intense 
interest in the army, which, necessarily, has been to nearly 
all of them only a shadow; now they are to see the reality. 

February $th. An order was received to-day to he ready 
to march in light marching order at a moment's notice and 
all hands were- relieved from the preparation for the great ball. 

On the 6th, we marched out of camp with the rest of the 
corps to Morton's ford, and bivouacked on open ground, 
overlooking the river and the opposite shore, which is unusu- 
ally open for this country. General Warren being sick, Gen- 
eral Caldwell took command of the corps. Hayes with the 
Third division crossed over early in the day and drove in the 
rebel pickets who were quickly reinforced, and a heavy skir- 
mish commenced, which lasted throughout the afternoon. The 
field of operations was in full view, and our division lay in- 
tently watching the progress of the fight, which like all battles, 
big or little, was extremely fascinating. 

Towards evening the enemy showed up in force, Ewell, 
with his entire corps coming on the field; our batteries opened 
on them, and for a while there was a lively fight. Hayes 
gradually fell hack, and after dark retired in safety. As usual 
during the night it rained, making it extremely unpleasant. 
We lost about two hundred and fifty killed and wounded, 
without apparently gaining any equivalent ; the following 
mi >rning, February 7th, we marched hack to camp and re- 
sumed the usual routine. 

February l8th. Mrs. Caldwell, wife of the general, ar- 
rived tn day. She is young, pretty, and amiable in appearance, 
and received a hearty welcome. Alvord's sister also arrived, 
accompanied by her father. Miss Alvord is petite and very 
charming indeed. I fell iii love with her immediately and 
have by common consenl been allowed to take her in to dinner. 

February ipth. To-day arrived Mrs. Governor Curtin, 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 279 

with her bevy of Pennsylvania beauties. She is accompanied 
by her sister, Miss Wilson, who is expected to keep an eye 
on the charming creatures, introduced so suddenly on the field 
of Mars. Miss Curtin, a graceful, beautiful girl, is easily 
the belle of the party and attracted universal attention. She 
is certainly magnificent, dignified, sweet, and graceful in her 
demeanor. They were assigned to their quarters, and one ser- 
vant placed absolutely at the disposal of each couple occu- 
pying a tent. The men had their quarters just in rear, and 
we arranged it so they could go in early in the morning, build 
the fires, take in hot water, clean their boots, and, in fact, 
take general charge of their domestic economy. 

The girls thought the little canvas tents "just too lovely 
for anything," and were delighted with all they saw. In the 
morning the band played in front of the quarters, while they 
were dressing, and the cook- prepared the breakfast. We 
arranged amongst ourselves who should escort the different 
ladies to the mess tent, and at the appointed hour waited upon 
them and took them in to breakfast. The general presided 
in his usual suave and graceful manner at the upper end 
of the table, while the ladies were sandwiched in between 
the officers. Such glorious breakfasts were these, such flirta- 
and conversations, where compliments flew like musket 
balls in a close engagement and batteries of bright sparkling 
eyes swept everything before them. The sweet strains of 
music ever rising and falling in rhythmic waves idealized the 
moments, and we lived in ecstasy. 

During the breakfast hour the plans for the day were ar- 
ranged ; excursions to the front, to view the enemy; horse 
races, hurdle races, picnics, everything was suggested that 
would keep up the interest. Most of the ladies were horse- 
n and had sent their saddles down. Those who were not 
so fortunate were provided with ambulances and driven to 
the appointed rendezvous. The cooks followed with abund- 
ance of viands, and wine flowed like water on every occasion. 

Galloping over vast fields of canvas villages, skirting along 
the advanced picket lines, getting an occasional view of the 
rebel videttes or pickets, the gallant cavalcade attracted uni- 
versal attention, and gave our guests the liveliest satisfaction, 
besides most excellent appetites. All appeared in full dress 
for dinner, which usually lasted a couple of hours, by which 



2 8o DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

time the evening's amusement in the hall was ready to com- 
mence. 

February 24, 1864. 

The great ball, reception, and review all came oft' with the 
utmost distinction. A special train brought out an immense 
throng of notables, who in many cases remained over for 
the review on the 23d and Kilpatrick's fine cavalry charge. 
Amongst the distinguished guests were Vice-president Hamlin 
and his daughter Sarah, a most agreeable young lady ; Mrs. 
Governor Curtin, her daughter, and a bevy of beauties from 
the state capital. Guests of our headquarters : Mrs. Governor 
Sprague, radiant in all her glorious beauty, acknowledged to 
be the handsomest woman in America, and at present the star 
around which the fashionable world revolves ; her husband, 
Governor Sprague ; a large party from the British embassy ; 
Mrs. Chancellor Walworth, of New York ; O. A. Brownscn, of 
Brownsen's Review ; Colonel and Mrs. Carrol ; Mrs. Senator 
Hale and daughters ; Senator Wilkinson and party ; Mrs. and 
Judge Miller, of the United States Supreme Court, and hun- 
dreds of others, together with every general officer in the army 
and their staffs. It was a wonderful success without a draw- 
back. The music was furnished by our band and that of the 
Fourteenth Connecticut, and was delightfully spoken of by all. 
"Gayly sped the feet and sweetly smiled the lips" of the brave 
and beautiful and honored of the republic. Swiftly passed the 
hours of the festal night, and with the matin song of lark and 
blue bird and the courtesies of parting, the morning light 
looked in upon a 

"Banquet Hall deserted." 

Miss Alvord was especially in my charge, but everybody 
danced with everybody else, and I had the distinguished honor 
of dancing once with the queenly beauty, Mrs. Sprague, and 
the superb and beautiful Miss Curtin, who was by the way 
sought after by every one. Nothing could surpass the kind- 
ness of the ladies ; they were in no wise exclusive, and the 
youngest lieutenant received as much consideration as the 
oldest and most conspicuous general. This surprised us most 
agreeably and completed the enchantment, which will live for- 
ever in the memory of those of us who had the honor to 
belong to the grand army and participate in its festivities. 

The following day the entire Second corps and Kilpatrick's 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 281 

division of cavalry were reviewed in the presence of a great 
throng of officers and ladies. There were as many as two 
hundred ladies mounted in the cavalcade, which followed in 
the retinue of General Meade, the reviewing officer. The day 
was superb, and the men looked well, eliciting immense 
applause. When the Second corps had passed, Kilpatrick, 
at the head of his splendid command, made a spirited charge 
across the plain for the diversion of the party, which, of course, 
pleased the guests the most of anything. In the evening a 
special train took home the major part of the visitors, and thus 
the Second corps ball passed among the things that were. 

February 27th. Grace Greenwood, Mrs. Lippencott of lit- 
erary renown, has been our guest for the past two days. She 
came to lecture before the officers and their friends of the 
division and is quartered and will remain for two weeks 
with us. She is most fascinating in her conversation and 
manner and is a valuable acquisition at the breakfast table, 
full of anecdotes, wit, and bon mots all carefully arranged 
and kept in readiness for the proper occasion. After the 
lecture we clear the floor for dancing, and there is "revelry 
by night," invariably till twelve o'clock. Hobart, Wilson, 
Broom, and I are standing floor managers and are always re- 
ceiving more or less agreeable attention. 

The following appeared in our "Camp Journal" some time 
after the great ball : 

"The appearance of this charming and accomplished author 
and lecturer (Grace Greenwood) before our lecture associa- 
tion last week and her entire visit to the corps is a source of 
pride and pleasure alike to all of us. The entire winter has 
been very gay and spirited in its numerous festivities in the 
gallant old corps ; and it was certainly an appropriate finale 
to them that this cultivated and accomplished lady should 
come from the refinement of her quiet home to the very out- 
skirts of the rebel army and lay the rich treasures of her loyal, 
womanly heart and fertile mind at the feet of the men, who 
have come from their far Northern homes, to plant the dear 
old flag once more upon the mountain tops and domes, where 
it was ruthlessly torn by traitors' hands. We shall not 
soon forget her earnest, burning words in behalf of justice, 
liberty, and law, nor cease to feel their inspiration, as night 
after night they gave some new charm to the holiness and 



282 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

majesty of otr great cause. Our only regret is that we have 
not the room at this late hour to give a synopsis of her elo- 
quent lecture before the officers of the corps, and that the 
exigencies of the service were such that she could not have 
spoken to every corps in the army. 

"During her stay, Mrs. Lippencott has been the guest 
of General Caldwell and staff and has received many atten- 
tions at the hands of our most distinguished officers." 

The enemy has had the good taste not to disturb the 
festivities by any ill timed demonstrations on the approach 
of a party of ladies and their attendants ; they have frequently 
saluted them and have always refrained from firing or other 
•disagreeable attentions. The picket lines, in fact, fraternize 
very agreeably, and unless closely watched get to be unduly 
familiar, that is, for the safety and good of the army. 

Horse races, in many of which I ride, hurdle races, division 
and brigade drills occupy our daily life, which runs as smoothly 
as could be desired. The army is, of course, bountifully sup- 
plied and clothed and is fast filling up again to its normal 
standard. 

By dint of steady and indefatigable work we have managed 
to empty the guard house, straighten out the muster rolls, re- 
lieve the oppressed and punish the guilty. 

The Irish brigade was for a time in a most chaotic state ; 
nearly every other officer and man had charges preferred 
against him, thereby stopping their pay and taking them off 
the roster for duty ; by assiduous labor we have gone through 
the entire command, dismissing the charges in most cases as 
frivolous and unworthy of attention. 

The ladies remained at our headquarters their allotted 
time, and then took leave with great reluctance. They were 
escorted to the train by the entire body of officers, who wished 
to show their appreciation of their great kindness. Several 
officers' wives and daughters remained, and Miss Hamlin is 
still a visitor at our quarters and promises to remain in the 
army for some time to come. 

March 24th. Preparations are making on every hand 
for the spring campaign, which threatens to be the most 
momentous and bloody of all the series we have yet made. 
Grant is in full command of all the armies in the United 
States and is to be with our army in person. We received 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 283 

an order to-day, announcing a consolidating of the corps and 
many changes in the commanding officers. 

The army of the Potomac will hereafter consist of the 
Second corps, General Hancock; the Fifth corps, General S. 
K. Warren ; the Sixth corps, General John Sedgwick and the 
cavalry corps, commanded by General Phil Sheridan. 

The First and Third corps are disbanded, and the Ninth 
corps, General Btirnside, is, I believe, to be part of the army of 
the Potomac. General Hunt commands the artillery and Gen- 
eral George Meade remains in nominal command of the army. 

Hancock is the most popular corps commanded by all odds, 
differing from other general officers I have served with 
in being always in sight during an action. He is fearless, 
constantly on the alert, and generally in the very thickest of 
the fight supervising every movement himself. He keeps his 
own staff and every other staff, which happens to be near him, 
constantly on the go and is himself frequently without a single 
attendant. He is magnificent in appearance, lordly, but cor- 
dial, and is remarkably generous, giving every one ample 
credit for what he does and can call by name almost every 
officer in his command. This is a very rare faculty and adds 
much to his popularity. When he was in command of the 
division, I met him, of course, every day. Now I see him 
only occasionally, but he always remembers me, and in his 
lordly fashion is as friendly as possible. 

The change that came home to ul. most severely was the 
removal of our immediate commander General Caldwell, and 
the assignment in his place of General Frances Barlow, from 
the Eleventh corps. This was the most unkindest cut of all. 
General Caldwell is our friend, as well as commander; the 
soul of honor and perfection of good nature. He has been 
a father to us youngsters and ever ready to help in smooth- 
ing the pathway of official duty. The general's amiability and 
delightful manner won all hearts, and his sudden removal 
from command gained him the sympathy of every man in the 
division. Besides possessing a genial manner, he is an ex- 
cellent scholar and very capable soldier and has served from 
the beginning with this division, being promoted from the 
command of the First brig?-' _ on Hancock's transfer to the 
corps command. Of course, he was greatly chagrined and 
left the division with much reluctance. 



284 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

General French is also relieved, my original brigade com- 
mander, late in command of the Third division, and his divi- 
sion is broken up. There are so many changes that one 
scarcely recognizes the army for the same that we have grown 
up with. Dr. R. C. Stiles, the surgeon in chief of the division, 
has resigned and gone home, which is a great personal loss 
to me. He is a splendid fellow, accomplished, fond of all 
kinds of field sports and should have been in the fighting ranks 
instead of the medical department. 

The corps now contains four divisions, commanded, re- 
spectively, by Barlow, Gibbon, Birney, and Mott ; our brig- 
ades, four in number, are commanded by Miles, Thomas A. 
Smyth, Paul Frank, and John R. Brooke, all colonels. Brooke 
and Frank are original colonels, who have served from the 
beginning in our old brigade, without promotion or reward 
of any kind. Miles has come up from a captain and is an ex- 
cellent soldier, but owes much of his success in attaining rank 
to the favor of General Caldwell, who has favored him in 
every possible way, giving him most of the independent small 
commands where there was a chance for gaining notoriety and 
credit. It is due to Miles to say that he always proved more 
than equal to the emergency. He is fine looking, courageous, 
a natural-born soldier and is bound to succeed. 

Smyth, who commands the Second or Irish brigade, I know 
little of. Nearly all of these fellows are courageous, and as 
I have many times observed natural-born soldiers. For my 
own part, I would rather command a good regiment of Irish- 
men than any other I have ever seen. Brooke, commanding 
the Fourth brigade, is equaled by few officers in the army 
and should have been a brigadier-general long ago. 

The brigades have changed so much by reason of trans- 
fer, expiration of term of service, annihilation, etc., that I 
shall put down the present roster for the opening of the cam- 
paign. 

First division, General Francis C. Barlow commanding; 
First brigade, Colonel Nelson A. Miles, Sixty-first New York 
Volunteers, Eighty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, One Hun- 
dred and Fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, One Hundred and 
Eighty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

Second brigade, Colonel Thos. A. Smyth commanding: 
Twenty-eighth Massachusetts Infantry (a very good regi- 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 285 

ment), Sixty-third New York Infantry, Sixty-ninth New York 
Infantry (original Irish brigade), Eighty-eighth New York 
Infantry (original Irish brigade), One Hundred and Six- 
teenth Pennsylvania Infantry (Irish regiment). 

Third brigade, Colonel Paul Frank commanding: Thirty- 
ninth New York Infantry, Fifty-second New York Infantry, 
Fifty-seventh New York Infantry, One Hundred and Eleventh 
New York Infantry, One Hundred and Twenty-fifth New 
York Infantry, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York 
Infantry, and a battalion of the Seventh New York Infantry. 

Fourth brigade, Colonel John R. Brooke commanding: 
Second Delaware Volunteers, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
One Hundred and Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
Sixty-fourth New York, Sixty-sixth New York. 

There is no general officer serving with any of the brigades 
of our division, as the above roster shows. In the Second 
division Generals Webb and Owens command brigades, 
and the Third division, Generals J. H. H. Wood and Alex 
Hayes. The Fourth division is like the First, wholly with- 
out any. One would have thought the government might 
have made promotions during the winter and started the army 
off on its great campaign fully officered, but it did not do 
so, and so most of us must continue acting in grades above 
our actual rank. Many that have been commissioned to higher 
grades cannot be mustered, on account of reduced numbers, 
and it really seems as if the goverment could not have made 
a regulation better calculated to keep regimental officers from 
exposing their men and doing good service. Every prominent 
regiment, which has done hard fighting, has effectually 
stopped promotion within its ranks ; and there is nothing to 
look forward to as a military reward. Those recommenda- 
tions for good conduct and gallant behavior have thus far 
succeeded in obtaining no advantage, which is certainly a 
bad state of things in a great army like this. 

Amongst the new officers that have joined us this winter 
and have established themselves in the good opinion of the 
old soldiers is Colonel James A. Beaver of the One Hundred 
and Forty-eighth Pennsylvania, a gallant, accomplished, and 
most agreeable gentleman. I have met him frequently on 
matters appertaining to my department and greatly admire 



286 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

him. His regiment is full and in excellent condition. Col- 
onel Brown, of the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Pennsyl- 
vania, is one of our especial favorites. He is large, very 
stout, overflowing with good nature, and very gallant and 
capable. He is a constant guest at headquarters and very 
popular, being a fine singer, and he and his dog Spot have 
contributed much to the amusement of the headquarters during 
the winter. He always gets shot in every battle, but manages 
to recover in time for the next. 

Colonel MacDougall, of the One Hundred and Eleventh 
New York, is another favorite; young, fine looking, full of 
fight and energy, and possessed of a genial disposition; he 
is always a welcome guest at headquarters. 

So many of our original number have fallen on the field 
that new men are constantly coming to the front, and it takes 
time to get to know them intimately. It is calculated that 
last year our division lost seven thousand five hundred men 
of all ranks, so it is easy to see how many fresh faces there 
must be to fill up these vacancies. 

April 22d. To-day the Second corps was reviewed by 
General Grant and made a splendid appearance. It was 
drawn up in four parallel lines in front of the reviewing stand, 
with the artillery on the right. We estimated the number of 
men parading at about twenty-five thousand, splendidly 
equipped and armed in the best fashion. Our division had 
the right of the line. Grant first moved down the ranks, after 
which we passed the reviewing stand in column, marching 
with great precision. John Hancock rode to the right as chief 
of start", I next and then came Derrickson and the others. 

This is the beginning of the end, and in a few days camp 
near Stevensburg will be a thing of the past, and where we 
shall we be, who can tell? 

Under general order No. 104, from army headquarters, all 
superfluous baggage has been sent back to Washington, 
and we have little with us besides the clothing on our backs. 
All look forward to this campaign as the last of the series 
and expect Grant to spare neither life nor material in reducing 
the rebel army to submission. 

May 2d. The army is ready to inarch with eight days' 
cooked rations ; camp followers have been sent to the rear, and 
everything is in readiness for an immediate start. 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 287 

At 10 p. m., May 3, 1864, the Second corps broke camp 
and preceded by Gregg's division of cavalry and followed by 
the artillery of the corps, crossed the Rapidan at Ely's ford 
and marched easterly over the familiar route to Chancellors- 
ville, arriving there about 10 a. m. the next morning, Warren 
and Sedgwick, the Fifth and Sixth corps, crossed at the Ger- 
mania ford, some six or seven miles above, and formed the 
right wing of the army, while our corps formed the left. Burn- 
side's corps is at Warrenton with orders to hold the Bull Run 
line of communication until we are successfully established 
on the southern side of the Rapidan. Lee's army is entrenched 
on the southern side of the Rapidan, some ten or twelve miles 
above the Germania ford, and Grant's object is to cross below 
and turn his right flank. 

The movements were promptly executed during the night 
and were completely successful. Warren and ^ederwick's 
corps marched out to the Wilderness tavern, while we re- 
mained all day at Chancellorsville. 

Early on the morning of the 5th we fell in and marched 
towards Todd's tavern, halting in a clearing about nine o'clock, 
the enemy close at hand on the Wilderness pike. Very hot, 
and both men and animals suffered much. While halted 
here, the head of our column was in contact with a strong 
cavalry force skirmishing with the enemy, in the effort to 
locate his position. All was excitement and vastly interesting. 
Very soon after halting we were ordered to countermarch and 
take position on the Brock road, our right resting near the 
Orange Court House plank road. Shortly after forming on 
this road, Frank's brigade was advanced on our extreme left 
to watch a road leading into the Cartharpin road, over which 
the enemy were reported to be advancing. The Brock road 
runs through a dense wilderness slightly elevated above the 
ground to the southwest. In rear of our left, the ground 
was open, and the whole artillery of the corps took position 
on it. Our line connected on the right with Gibbon, and he 
with Birney. The right swung back, making a northward 
curve from the Orange plank road and was prolonged by 
Warren and Sedgwick. 

As soon as the division was in position it began building 
breastworks alongside the road with logs, etc., and made some 
slight slashings. In front of us to the southwest was a dense 



288 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

woods, through which at a considerable distance ran an un- 
finished railroad, almost parallel to the Brock road, where the 
enemy were supposed to be in position. Frank was directed 
to march forward, inclining slightly to the right, so as to look 
up this road and form across it, but for some reason did not 
go far enough, and so the rebels had a fine place for forming 
their troops. Hancock, Barlow, and Gibbon, each had their 
headquarters on the road, which was lined with troops, and 
for several hours we did nothing but ride up and down this 
road, awaiting orders to advance. About four o'clock the 
fighting opened on the right, and immediately the silence of 
the woods was changed into an uproar indescribable; tremen- 
dous volleys of musketry followed each other with such 
extraordinary rapidity, it seemed that one or another of the 
armies must be ^r.ilnlated. Presently we were ordered to 
move f of ward and attack through the woods, with two of our 
brigades, Brooke and Smith. They were soon across the 
breastworks, struggling with the interminable undergrowth, 
where it seemed impossible to keep any kind of alignment, 
yet we did, especially Brooke, who advanced nearly six hun- 
dred yards and immediately became engaged with the rebels 
who lay hid from view in front. 

The fighting on the right was severe, and several times re- 
inforcements were sent from our part of the line to assist. 
Whilst the fighting in the woods in front was in progress, 
the staff were kept riding between them and the main road, 
a most difficult, dangerous, and disagreeable duty ; not only 
was it almost impossible to ride a horse through the laby- 
rinth of undergrowth, but one could only keep his direction by 
the sound of the firing. The woods were full of smoke, in 
many places on fire, and nothing could be seen twenty yards 
ahead. On one occasion I should have ridden directly into 
the enemy's lines but for Colonel Striker, of the Second Dela- 
ware, who saw me in front of his line just in time to call me 
back. I supposed I was riding in exactly the opposite direc- 
tion to what I really was. Boots and clothes were torn to 
pieces and the horses became frantic. Colonel Chapman, of 
my regiment, happened to be division field officer of the day, 
and as his duties only commenced with the establishment 
of the picket line at night, he as was usual rode with the 
division staff, conspicuous by his sash worn across his shoul- 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 289 

der. Riding along the road together in rear of the general, 
the colonel appeared to me to be unusually depressed and 
I asked him what was the matter. He said he felt a presenti- 
ment that he was going to be killed and could not get over it. 
I said what I could to dispel his low spirits, but apparently 
without result. Soon afterwards a tremendous fire opened on 
Brooke, and Barlow turned to ask some one to ride to the 
lines and see what was going on, when Chapman instantly 
volunteered and immediately rode into the woods. In a very 
few moments some one came out and reported him killed, 
when Barlow ordered me to go to Brooke, and in the con- 
fusion and amidst the terrible firing I forgot all about Chap- 
man, but as soon as I reached the road again, I found the 
report only too true, and at that time he was dead and had 
been carried out of the woods. It completely upset me for 
the time being ; we had chatted together constantly during the 
day, and his low spirits and unhappy appearance made me 
feel very sorry for him. He was so conspicuously brave and 
gallant that I have no doubt he felt certain of his death, and 
yet in face of such forebodings, he instantly proposed to go 
himself, when it was some one else's duty and now "he sleeps 
an iron sleep, slain, fighting for his country." 

Brooke and Smyth succeeded in driving the enemy before 
them, getting within range of the plank road on ground a 
little higher than that in rear, and thus improved their position. 
The staff was never worked harder ; both Barlow and Han- 
cock kept the main road, while we were incessantly strug- 
gling back and forth through the woods to the fighting lines. 
Under ordinary circumstances no one would have dreamed 
of riding a horse into such a place, but now we rode right 
into it, never thinking of the consequences in the excitement. 
The rolling of musketry was continuous, the woods retained 
the sound, and echoed back from line to line the repeated vol- 
leys and continuous file firing. An occasional shell tore 
through the woods, clearing a passage for itself, as neatly as 
though cut by an axe, and in many places the dry undergrowth 
was on fire. Fighting continued till dark when it generally 
ceased, and the dead and wounded were gathered up in front. 
The losses were heavy, and the result about an even thing. 
We could not see much of anything, and consequently gen- 
erally directed our fire by that of the enemy, guessing results 



2 9 o DIARY OF A YOUNG < >FFICER 

by tlic slackening or increasing of the enemy's lire. A greal 
many officers fell, amongst them General Alex I laves, a popu- 
lar and excellent officer, commanding a brigade in our Second 
division. 

Preparations were made for renewing the attack at four 
o'clock next morning, and after serving out ammunition, the 
troops prepared their coffee and ate their first meal for the 
clay. Then slept in their ranks. 

May 6th. At five o'clock this morning, the battle opened 
vigorously on the right, and soon heavy musketry firing rolled 
sonorously along the entire line. Hill's corps attacked Sedg- 
wick, and a fierce and bloody encounter took place. Getty, 
Moll, and Birney, of our corps, were soon involved, and heavy 
lighting raged on all sides except our own front. We were 
on die lookout for Longstreet, who was reported by prisoners 
taken as moving down the Cartharpin road and forming on 
the unfinished railroad in our front. At six o'clock Hancock 
ordered the line to advance to the Orange plank road and 
a desperate light commenced. Wadsworth, with a division, 
was to the right of the road, and our three divisions to the 
left, and so they moved forward at right angles to it. For 
over an hour the lighting was about even; then Hill's troops 
gave way and we advanced, capturing several hundred pris- 
oners. From this time until nearly three o'clock, there was 
a lull in the fighting, our division closely watching for the 
advance of LongStreet's men. All of a sudden, while Harlow 
followed by his stall was riding slowly along the Brock road 
towards the plank road, a tremendous lire opened all along 
our front and shortly afterwards some of our troops gave 
way and came rushing through the woods over the slight 
breastworks into the road. Mott's troops behaved rather badly, 
and there was great confusion, but Brooke's men stood firm 
in the woods and repelled all efforts to drive them back. I 
was with Brooke at the opening fire, which was something 
fearful. The horses plunged and reared; the balls whistled 
around our ears, and the noise was simply too terrible to 
describe, but the gallant Fourth brigade, standing firm, 
opened fire and never a rebel passed their line. On Birney's 
front the enemy drove all before them, and for a few mo- 
ments it looked as though we were in serious difficulty. The 
enemy came rushing up to our breastworks, some climbing 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 291 

over them. I saw a rebel officer mount the rampart with a 
flag in his hand, waving it over the heads of his men. The 
woods had taken fire in front and now spread to the log breast- 
works, which added renewed terrors and excitement to the 
situation. As the rebel flag was flaunting over the burning 
ramparts, Carrol's brigade came sweeping up at the double 
quick, and with a wild hurrah drove the rebels back into 
the mass of flames and smoke and recovered everything that 
had been temporarily lost. This ended the day's serious 
fighting, no further attempts being made by either side. Again 
the losses were heavy. General Wadsworth was killed on our 
side and General Longstreet badly wounded on the rebel side ; 
besides many other officers killed, so we learned from the 
many prisoners we took. As soon as the enemy was driven 
back we devoted ourselves to saving the wounded from roast- 
ing to death in the woods in front. 

This is one of the horrors of fighting in dense woods, 
where the bursting shells invariably in dry weather set fire 
to the dead leaves and branches. 

Early May 7th we sent our a strong skirmish line to locate 
the enemy's position and found that he had retired behind his 
entrenchments. During the day Custer's cavalry division drove 
the rebel cavalry from Cartharpin furnace to Todd's tavern, 
and Warren's corps brought on a considerable picket engage- 
ment about noon in making a reconnoissance on his front, 
and go the battle of the Wilderness ended. Our losses are 
said to amount to at least fifteen thousand men, without other 
result then probably killing and wounding as many of the 
rebels. Grant has no idea of ceasing operations, however, 
but is said to be arranging for another move by the flank to 
get between Richmond and the rebel army. Hancock was 
ubiquitous, riding everywhere and sending staff officers in 
endless succession from one end to the other of the line to keep 
himself posted on the situation. Our division remained all 
day along the. Brock road, but towards night were ordered 
to march to Todd's tavern in the direction of Spottsylvania 
court house. As soon as it became dark Warren's corps 
passed from the right, their original position, immediatelv in 
our rear on the Brock road, we remaining in position behind 
the works. Warren did not get out of the way till early next 
morning, when our corps fell in, abandoned its position and 



2 9 2 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

stepped out in a very lively fashion, arriving at Todd's tavern 
about nine o'clock. We immediately went into position, reliev- 
ing Gregg's division of cavalry, and commenced at once, as is 
usual now-a-days, to throw up a breastwork of logs and rails, 
and dug a ditch behind them. As soon as the connections 
were established, Miles's brigade and a brigade of Greggs's 
cavalry, with a battery of artillery were sent to Corbin's 
Bridge, across the Po river, almost due south, where the enemy 
was discovered entrenched on the opposite shore and opened 
fire as soon as our party showed themselves, which was just 
what we desired to have them do. Line of battle was formed 
and our batteries replied, but made no further demonstration. 
I rode so much and so fast, traveling between Miles's brigade 
and the rest of the division, that I ruptured my beautiful gray 
and was obliged to send him to the rear. The reconnoissance 
was very enjoyable, however. Derrickson and I rode out to- 
gether in front of the skirmish line and cavalry videttes, and 
while exploring a narrow road running over a considerable hill 
caught sight of a rebel column hurrying along a wood road in 
front under cover of the wood. We dismounted, left our 
horses in rear of some bushes, and crept forward on the road 
until within a couple of hundred yards of them, then lay down 
and watched them passing for over half an hour. While we lay 
here a rebel battery suddenly pushed up on a hill to the right 
of the road, and getting sight of our horses fired several shots 
at them, so we quickly withdrew, galloped back, and reported 
what we had seen to Hancock. 

This was the ride that broke the poor gray down. About 
5 p. m. Miles was withdrawn, but was attacked while doing 
so, and had to do quite a little fighting before he reached the 
main body. Learned towards evening that the enemy had 
discovered our intentions and had got ahead of us and was in 
position near the court house. Nothing else of importance 
occurred during the day, and the night passed without dis- 
turbance. 

May gth. Remained at Todd's tavern till noon, when 
ascertaining that the enemy had left our front, we marched 
down the Spottsylvania road about a mile, then took a wood 
road to the right, which brought us into fine open ground, 
commanding the river Po. Here we found the bulk of the 
army, Warren holding the right, covering the Brock and other 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 293 

roads converging here, Sedgwick next, and Burnside on the 
extreme left; our corps formed in line of division, in rear of 
Warren, stacked arms, and prepared for dinner. What a 
tremendous relief it was to get out of the infernal Wilderness, 
where for three days we had been fighting for the most part 
an invisible foe. About ten o'clock our attention was at- 
tracted to the opposite side of the river, where a long train 
of army wagons was passing in full view along the Block 
House road to Spottsylvania. One of our batteries opened fire 
on them, which drove them into the woods for shelter. Soon 
afterwards our division was ordered to cross the river. 
Brooke took the advance, driving in the few rebel pickets 
that held the ford, and forming line of battle advanced 
across the open ground to the edge of the wood from 
half to three-quarters of a mile in front. Frank's brigade 
followed, and then Miles's. On the left, Brooke advanced 
and occupied the block house road, over which the rebel 
wagon train had so recently passed. Birney's division crossed 
above us, Gibbon's below. As soon as our division got over 
it was advanced to the Shady Grove road, with the intention 
of crossing the Po again at the block house, and establishing 
ourselves on Lee's left flank, but it was dark by the time 
we got up, and the rebels held the crossing in front, so we 
bivouacked for the night where we lay. During the night 
the engineer corps built two or three bridges directly in rear 
of our position, so that in case of an emergency we could get 
across, without going back by the route we advanced over. 
Early in the morning, Arnold's Rhode Island battery joined 
us, and after much labor advanced on our right flank by cut- 
ting a roadway through the woods to the Shady Grove road. 
It seemed a dangerous thing to take guns through such a place, 
and eventually proved to be very much so. Shortly after 
daylight, and while the artillery men were chopping their way 
through the woods, Brooke was ordered to find a crossing 
between the road and Glady's Run. Colonel Jack Hammil, 
formerly adjutant of the Sixty-sixth New York commanded 
the little party that made the attempt, and distinguished him- 
self by the gallant manner in which he dashed across the 
stream and almost into the enemy's rifle pits. He found the 
enemy in full force and was obliged to retire. Shortly after 
this little advance, the other two divisions of our corps were 



2 9 4 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

withdrawn, and we found ourselves alone on the south side 
of the river. It was not long before the rebels advanced in 
skirmishing order and opened fire ; we could see their lines 
advancing, and as soon as they came within range, gave them 
a warm reception and expected to easily dispose of them, but 
the skirmish line was quickly followed by a line of battle, 
and it soon became clear we were in for a pitched fight. As 
the rebel line of battle advanced, Arnold's guns opened on 
them, and for a while enfiladed some of their lines, firing shell 
and canister. Barlow and two or three of us sat looking on, 
watching the battle for a while, but soon had to retire, as 
the enemy came on in force, and the guns were obliged to move 
to the rear. As the battery limbered up, the rebels surrounded 
the position, and although pretty well held at bay, we unfor- 
tunately lost one of the guns, which got jammed between two 
trees, so that it could not be extricated. The center and left 
of the line held their position firmly, although furiously as- 
sailed ; our men had hastily thrown up a loose breastwork of 
rails alongside the edge of the road, and for a time seemed 
to have but little difficulty in keeping the enemy in check. 
General Barlow, accompanied only by myself, rode in rear of 
the line and was examining the condition of things, when a 
body of officers from the Third brigade came up and asked 

the general to relieve Colonel from the command, 

stating that he was not in a fit condition to have charge of it, 
and asked the general to assign me to it, offering to waive 
their rank, if he would do so. The general hesitated a mo- 
ment and looked at me, then refused, saying he would not 
make a change just then and told them they must get along 
as well as they could. How I hoped he would have consented ; 
it seemed such an unheard-of opportunity, a captain to com- 
mand his old brigade, but it was not to be. Subsequently I 
learned that Colonel had voluntarily retired and Col- 
onel Brown took command. A moment afterwards, as the 
enemy were pressing us heavily all along the line, General 
Hancock rode up, entirely alone, not even an orderly with 
him, and directed Barlow to immediately withdraw across the 
river, then turning to me, without saying by your leave to 
Barlow, directed me to ride at full speed to the reserve artil- 
lery of the corps, encamped on open ground about a quarter 
of a mile in rear on the other side of the Po, and order 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 295 

Captain Hazzard with all his guns into position on the 
high bank of the river to protect the crossing. John Gilpin's 
race was nothing to mine. I flew over the ground, and as I 
approached the bivouac of the artillery reserve, every one was 
on the alert, knowing their services were required. Captain 
Hazzard was standing in front of a tent fly, his flag stuck 
in the ground beside him, and instantly ordered the bugle to 
sound the assembly, and I think within a minute half a dozen 
batteries, some of them side by side, started off at a trot, 
presently breaking into a gallop. I rode at the head of the 
column with Hazzard, and never before experienced such ex- 
hilaration ; the thundering guns dashed over the space and 
were in position in no time, promptly sending their shrapnel 
over the heads of our troops into the enemy. The engage- 
ment was fought in full view and dexterously managed, the 
object of our division being to retire in good order, and that 
of the enemy to try and capture them, and the tactics dis- 
played and splendid bravery of both sides were admirable. 
The division moved to the rear in eschelon, frequently at the 
double quick, seventy-five to one hundred yards, faced about 
and lay down, opening fire on the rebel advance, whilst the 
ground between them was alive with bursting shrapnel from 
Hazzard's guns. When one brigade had retired to a new posi- 
tion and opened fire, the other brigade made a similar move- 
ment, and so it continued clear across the open ground, till 
at last the enemy was obliged to retire under the murderous 
artillery fire and the infantry recrossed the river in good order, 
quite elated with their exploit. 

When our batteries first opened they received the fire from 
some of the enemy's guns in position away off to the left front, 
and the first shell landed in the battery where I was standing, 
killing several of the men serving the guns ; amongst them a 
superb looking young sergeant, whose leg was entirely sev- 
ered. He did not lose consciousness, but looked with melan- 
choly interest at his severed limb, which lay close by. I was 
so sorry for him. I understood afterwards he died from the 
shock. Hazzard at once opened fire on these guns and soon 
blew up one of their caissons, after which they decamped. 
Our losses were not very serious and the whole affair intensely 
interesting. We found out from prisoners taken that Ewell's 
entire corps had taken part in the attack and expected to cap- 



296 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

ture us without much trouble. Frank's brigade crossed just 
below the pontoon bridge through the woods and Brooke over 
it. By direction of General Barlow I rode down to the ex- 
treme left, to see the bridges destroyed, where the Irish brigade 
had crossed, but when I arrived the work was already done 
by the engineer corps, and the Irish brigade in a good posi- 
tion. Colonel Beaver, of the One Hundred and Forty-eighth 
Pennsylvania, was conspicuous in this day's operation, and 
Brooke and Miles were as usual superb. 

May nth. Everything quiet this morning. The enemy 
hug their entrenchments and are now around the Spottsylvania 
court house. In the afternoon Miles's brigade was sent back 
to Todd's tavern, but returned to camp in the evening, with- 
out finding any trace of the enemy. He never fired a shot, I 
think. Shortly after dark, we received orders to fall in and 
march, our division following Birney. The night was very 
dark and rainy, and the roads narrow and bad, but we stepped 
out briskly and very quietly. About midnight the column 
halted near a house, the "Brown house," closed up and 
massed in close column of brigade, and was then informed 
it was to assault the enemy's works in front, which at this 
point forms a salient angle. The success of this attack de- 
pended upon its secrecy, and so all were ordered to keep very 
quiet and commands were to be given in a whisper. The 
troops moved up near the enemy's picket line, supposed to be 
twelve or fifteen hundred yards from the enemy's works. 
Nobody knew exactly the position of the works or the 
nature of the ground, and so we had to take our chances, 
moving forward till we struck them. In front of our division 
the ground gradually ascended and was sparsely covered with 
trees, shrubs and bushes till near the rebel works, where 
it was entirely open. Birney's division was on our right, also 
in brigade masses, with Mott in rear of him, while Gibbon's 
division remained in reserve in rear of all. It took a long 
time to form the division in column of assault ; each brigade 
was closely massed, all the mounted officers dismounted, and 
the orders were to advance without firing a shot, and by simple 
weight of numbers crush everything in front of us. Before 
starting, the engineer officers found the general direction of 
the rebel lines by compass and pointed it out to Barlow and 
the brigade commanders. There was another house in front, 



DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 297 

called the Landron house, which was supposed to be some four 
hundred yards from the rebel works, and this was to be our 
principal guide. The Fourth brigade was on the left, the 
Second brigade on the right, with Miles and Brooke in com- 
mand. The Third brigade, now commanded by Brown, and 
Smyth's Irish brigade formed the second line and were to 
advance close behind the first line. It still rained, and just 
before daylight became quite foggy, so that we were slightly 
delayed. Everything being ready, however, as soon as the 
first streak of daylight appeared in the eastern skies, the com- 
mand to move forward was given, and without noise the 
whole solid column stepped out, closely followed by the second 
line. Arms were carried at the right shoulder, and on we 
went, a solid mass, moving very rapidly ; the rebel picket 
was soon encountered, but we ran right over it, and upon 
reaching the neighborhood of the Landron house, received 
the fire of the picket reserve, but pressed steadily forward, 
paying no attention to it. Soon the earthworks loomed 
into view close by, when with a prolonged cheer, at the 
double quick, the whole force charged over the intervening 
ground, swarmed over the parapet, and taking them en- 
tirely by surprise and unprepared, got behind them, and 
hustled them all over the works into the arms of our reserves. 
It was a complete success. The rebels fired only a very few 
shots, and were mostly asleep when we rushed into their 
works. The first piece of luck we have had for many a day. 
We captured Major-General Edward Johnson and Brigadier- 
General George H. Stuart, together with four thousand men 
and eighteen guns. The whole angle and perhaps half a mile 
of their lines was in our hands, but when we attempted to 
move forward, found a second line, now fully on the alert 
and too strong to be carried ; so our men promptly went to 
work to face the captured lines the other way ; before they 
were completed, however, the enemy came forward in im- 
mense numbers and made the most desperate attempt to re- 
cover their lost ground. They seemed determined to gain back 
at any cost what had been lost, and the most severe close fight- 
ing of the war ensued. The enemy several times got close up 
to the parapet, and reaching over the men on opposite sides did 
their best to bayonet each other. Batteries were brought up, 
and firing over our heads into the masses of the enemy inflicted 



29 8 DIARY OF A YOUNG OFFICER 

enormous losses : trees eighteen inches in diameter were cut 
down by the fire of musket balls but the enemy could not re- 
cover what they had lost, nor could we advance, and towards 
the middle of the night they withdrew to form a new line 
in rear of the one now covered with dead. It was a tre- 
mendous struggle, bravely maintained throughout the day, 
both sides showing the utmost gallantry and determination. 
General Hancock was much elated with his success. When 
the rebel General Stuart was marching to the rear Hancock 
came riding along, and recognizing him as an old army friend 
of days gone by, put out his hand, but the rebellious gentle- 
man refused the proffered shake, and lost much in our estima- 
tion for so doing. One of the pleasant features of our fighting 
is that none of us consider it a personal affair and individually 
are as friendly to any of our captured antagonists as though 
no state of war existed. There is no personal animosity what- 
ever, so far as I have seen. 

The enemy withdrew during the night, and the army of 
the Potomac under the indomitable Grant, prepared imme- 
diately to follow them. 


































































































































































































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